FIVE STARS
IT is an exhilarating experience watching a play
performed at the Globe theatre. It is largely down to the atmosphere
generated by the audience, many of whom are standing in the pit area.
But when that audience is predominantly made up of
teenagers, this amazing atmosphere is ramped up to a whole other
level.
And this is currently the case with a production
of Twelfth Night which is being staged as part of the Bankside
theatre's Playing Shakespeare project.
With the text cut neatly to about 100 minutes, the
production is geared towards teenagers and brings out the main themes
of the play without losing any of the drama or the wonderful
language.
Director Bill Buckhurst's version begins with
Viola and twin brother Sebastian atop a shipping container which is
rotated round the stage by the rest of the cast to show the violence
of the storm that eventually separates them.
While Sebastian is rescued by Antonio, Viola is
washed up on the shore and resolves to dress as a man in order to
work for the Duke Orlando.
As Cesario, Viola has the task of wooing the lady
Olivia on Orlando's behalf. However, Olivia will have none of it and
instead falls in love with Cesario who in turn has fallen for
Orlando.
Meanwhile Olivia's man Malvolio is being mightily
abused by her cousin Sir Toby Belch, her maid Maria and friend Sir
Andrew Aguecheek.
Eventually of course, all the storylines come
good, order is restored and Sebastian and Viola are reunited.
Despite the cut in the text, the story is easy to
follow and the language shines. The comedy of the situations is
worked to the max and the mostly young audience loved it, whooping
and cheering throughout.
Fast paced, energetic and very funny, it was
inventively staged and well acted with stand out performances from
Dickon Tyrrell as Sir Toby and Molly Logan as Viola.
For any youngster who has never seen a Shakespeare
play performed, go and see this one. It's terrific.
Twelfth Night is on at the Globe Theatre until
Friday, March 18. Visit
www.shakespearesglobe.com/
for full listings.
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