Theatre Review - TWELFTH NIGHT - PEOPLE'S THEATRE, NEWCASTLE

 

Viola (Alex Burns) photo Paul Hood

A story of separated twins, mistaken identities, gender confusion, love and much pomposity! Director Sam Hinton brought us to ‘Illyria Fest’ where a flood has separated twins Sebastian and Viola. The festival theme starts the moment you enter the lobby, with posters for Olivia, bunting and glitter-faced bar staff. As you move to the Studio, the original score, created by Thomas Brumby, and actors sat chilling out on a blanket, instantly transports you to ‘Illyria Fest’. Claire Brissenden created bright colourful lighting effects that added to the theme of the production, while Panos Ioannou had perfect timing with sound effects. Sarah Pearson (costumes) made simple and effective choices to distinguish between the two houses and brought the house down with Malvolio’s yellow-stockings outfit.

 

Feste (Jo McGarry) photo Paul Hood

There was a lot of cross-casting which only added to the wonder the show. There are not enough words in the English language, old or new, to express how truly magnificent the entire cast of this production are. Sir Toby Belch (Moira Valentine) and Maria (Alison Carr) had perfect timing and chemistry as they went about their schemes with clueless and hilarious raver Sir Andrew Aguecheek (Sam Burrell). Casting Antonia (Brooke Milburn) as a woman clearly in love with Sebastian (Sean Burnside) brings different meaning to the character’s devotions, then heartbreak, when it seems she is betrayed. Our Welsh Malvolio (Anna Dobson) is superbly arrogant and yet brings so much sympathy out when so abused. Feste the jester is always fun to watch but Jo McGarry made every word seem as if it was her own, whether witty or affecting thought, and entertained us all with a beautiful voice and some acrobatics; it seems as if Feste was written purely for her.

 

Olivia (Emma Robson) photo Paul Hood

Each change to the original had reason, be that added poignancy, or humour. It’s evident that Sam Hinton had a very clear vision for the production and I promise it will not disappoint. The whole production seems to politely inform you that no matter our age, gender, or persuasion, love is always confusing and often frustrating.

 

Fabian (Ruth Gibson) Sir Andrew (Sam Burrell) photo Paul Hood

A wonderful cacophony of music, light, glitter and words. The show is, in a word, enchanting!

 

Twelfth Night is at the People’s Theatre until 1^st April