Twelfth Night, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre Review
Twelfth Night. Harry Waller, Jon Trenchard, Sally Cheng & Katherine Toy. Credit - Richard LakosWritten by Annie for Theatre and Tonic.
Disclaimer: Tickets were gifted in return for an honest review. All views are my own.
Nothing means the start of Summer quite like the start of the season at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, and what better Shakespeare play to kick things off than Twelfth Night. Set against a Mediterranean backdrop, the open air theatre was the perfect embodiment last night thanks to this glorious weather we’re currently having, which aided the play’s scenery only to its benefit. As famous a playwright as they come, there is no doubt that Shakespeare’s works continue to entertain audiences globally, but it is always so lovely to see more contemporary takes on the show.
Owen Horsley’s direction has beautifully captured the traditional core of the show, yet has modernised it to be more approachable for a 21st century audience. Infamously known for its gender swapping characters, Horsley has taken this a step further and completely swapped the genders of main roles - creating a brand new take on the storyline, yet one that still seems to work without question.
Set in a queer drinking hole somewhere in the Mediterranean, the show feels as ethereal as ever, yet remains traditional in its stature. As Shakespeare intended, the production blurs the line between what is traditional and what is fictional, creating a magical world in which we can escape the heaviness of modern life. Despite the lack of fictional characters such as in A Midsummer’s Night Dream - Twelfth Night still holds this mystical quality which I think is just a staple of his comedies in particular.
It is a brilliant option for the open air theatre. Given the plays mystical quality, the theatre and its garden area feel as magical itself - it’s a beautiful venue to enjoy a summers evening, making the most of the gorgeous gardens for a pre show picnic or glass of wine. It is a total escapism from the business of London whilst being right in the heart of the city.
The show starts with a musical phrase played in ostinato to accompany the characters appearing one by one, creating a farcical sketch. It is a wonderfully clever opening which sets the tone for the show throughout. Musicians accompany the characters throughout whilst also making up the chorus. They aid the show beautifully, adding another layer of light-hearted humour to the play.
Evelyn Miller wonderfully portrays Viola, the woesome maid who disguises herself as her presumed dead brother in order to find out what exactly happened. When their paths eventually cross, there is a brilliantly hilarious piecing together of which twin had played into which storyline throughout between the other characters.
Anna Francolini dominates the stage as the self-pitying Olivia. As allegedly modest as they come, her costumes are larger than life and hilariously add another dimension to her character. Francolini sings on a couple of occasions with such poise, and natural humour, she is a joy to watch from start to end. Her comedic timing and understanding of Shakespearean wit is unmatched.
The staging beautifully fills the outdoor space and is used well throughout. It is simply designed but as effective as ever. The band are kept on stage which I think adds a nice element to the production. The performance does however feel a little small in the space at times, and I think the bare stage perhaps adds to this. It is such a huge theatre it of course will meet challenges, but I think the actors deal well with the space overall.
As to be expected with any Shakespeare it is a long production however did run over a little. Definitely something to factor into your visit. However, it didn’t deter from what a lovely production it was.
The cast wonderfully plays off of one another and it feels like a lovely collective. Their natural ability to play with effortless comedic timing is a real pleasure to watch. Richard Cant is a total joy from start to finish as Malvolio.
Twelfth Night is a real crowd pleaser to start the open air theatre’s summer season, giving new life to an old classic. I can’t wait to see the rest of the summer programme and enjoy this magical venue again soon.
At Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre until 8 June.
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
