Item: Twelfth Night
Rating: 4
Author: Kim Mogg

Jamie Glover directs this production of Shakespeare’s classic mistaken identities comedy, filled with dramatic sound and lighting all told on a minimalist stage. Following on from King Lear, actors are joined by Mathew Horne, of Gavin and Stacey fame, who stars as Malvolio.

Following a giant clap of thunder that starts the story of twins, Viola and Sebastian, are separated during a shipwreck. Viola disguises herself as Cesario and joins the service of Duke Orsion, who is vying for the love of wealthy Countess Olivia. What follows is a tangled web of mistaken identities and unrequited love.

Mathew Horne skillfully navigates Malvolio's arc from rigid arrogance to complete absurdity, balancing humour with the poignant and genuinely sad downfall of the character. | Photos Manuel Harlan

placeholder image — Mathew Horne skillfully navigates Malvolio's arc from rigid arrogance to complete absurdity, balancing humour with the poignant and genuinely sad downfall of the character. | Photos Manuel Harlan

Twelfth Night is a light-hearted fun Shakespearean comedy and it’s fascinating to see this company of actors play roles so different to the ones they played in King Lear earlier this year.

The director, Jamie Glover skillfully integrates composer Genevieve Dawson's live score and haunting vocals, effortlessly delivered by David Birrell's Fool (pictured), only serve to enrich the production's surreal and at times absurd atmosphere without ever weighing it down. | Photos Manuel Harlan

The production doesn’t hide the fact that Matthew Horne is the star attraction. With posters and the programme featuring him in bright yellow stockings as he takes on the role of Malvolio. Horne delivers an impressive performance which allows audiences to laugh at him without feeling too guilty about his downfall on stage as he lands himself in jail for madness. Rather than relying on the visual joke alone, Horne uses the costume as an extension of his performance.

Standout performances for me were Milo Twomey’s Sir Toby Belch and Katie Wimpenny playing Maria. Both deliver some of the production's strongest comic moments. Twomey use of exaggerated movements and expressive facial gestures to portray Sir Toby’s drunkenness keep the audience laughing throughout.

Bebe Sanders drives most of the narrative as Viola. She is a likeable protagonist and she lands the comedy that comes from the uncomfortable situations she finds herself in. The reuniting of her with her long lost brother Sebastian, played by Harry Redding, is incredibly heartwarming and brings the show to a close. Justina Kehinde is fun as Olivia, she particularly shines when leaning into Olivia’s more flirtatious nature.

Katie Wimpenny is a particular standout as Maria. While Milo Twomey’s Belch is much more than the sum of his jovial exterior with chaotic schemes | Photos Manuel Harlan

Amanda Stoodley’s set design works effectively in the Crucible’. Cobbled stone flooring and movable stone benches create a simple, adaptable environment that keeps the focus on the performances. Richard Howell’s lighting is similarly inventive. When Malvolio lands himself in jail, one simple spotlight creates the illusion of isolation in a dark and underground cell.

This is how I think Shakespeare should be done, grab a ticket if you can

A Sheffield Theatres Production, Twelfth Night, By William Shakespeare. Sat 10 – Sat 31 Oct

Tickets: https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/events/twelfth-night