Twelfth Night

Twelfth Night This is London (unpublished)

The prospect of Sir Peter Hall celebrating his 80^th birthday directing his daughter Rebecca has proved irresistible and you’ll be lucky to get returns for this straightforward, small scale, period production which emphasises the wistful nature of Shakespeare’s bittersweet romantic comedy.

He lets the words speak for themselves as Viola (shipwrecked in Illyria and disguised as a boy) falls for lovesick Count Orsino but is commanded to woo Olivia on his behalf.

Played out on Anthony Ward’s bare set, flanked by autumn leaves and with miniature houses in the background, Hall’s interpretation is both clear and thoughtful, but, especially in the languid early scenes, verges on the ponderous. Much needed life is injected by Amanda Drew’s grieving but spirited Olivia, and Simon Callow’s booming Sir Toby Belch teased by Finty Williams’ cheeky Maria. Best of all is Charles Edwards’ Andrew Aguecheek, hilariously insecure with his long curly locks and apologetic, self-doubting manner.

David Ryall makes an ultra world-weary Feste, whilst Simon Paisley Day’s rigid, humourless Malvolio even sleeps in his chains of office. And, at the heart of it all, Rebecca Hall repays her father’s faith in her with an intelligent, considered Viola in what proves, overall, to be a competent, rather than landmark, production.

Cottesloe