The mad, riotous nature of Twelfth Night just became even more unabating in this production by Filter. Twelfth Night is perhaps already one of Shakespeare’s most accessible plays, and devised and rehearsed here in just ten days this production certainly has a certain frantic energy about it.
But with fun and frivolity comes an inevitable ramification and a great deal of Shakespeare’s material has been lost in this 90 minute adaptation. A particularly clever moment between Feste and Viola, to name but one, could have been included and should some of the jokes not been played up quite as much and allowed to run for as long? That aside, this production would be a great introduction to Shakespeare for those being first exposed to the Bard, or those that had originally shunned his work as “boring”.
Harry Jardine makes a very amiable Aguecheek, bringing a childlike excitement to the character – he is however less suited to Orsino, who should be more of a mysterious, unpredictable character and instead it seems like Jardine is pushing too hard. Dan Poole brings your typical drunk-at-midday-larger-lout to Sir Toby Belch, his height adding to the dilemma that the other characters face trying to control him, he maintains with great concentration throughout. Crystal Condie has the hard task of multi-roling both Maria and Feste – the latter she just does not get underneath the skin of, with there being little substance underneath the lines. There is more to this part than just that of a clown or court jester (heavily cut- as perhaps a word in her defence).
Olivia Darney speaks incredibly clearly as Olivia, a really precise performance that seems tailored towards those that might believe they struggle with the language of Shakespeare. Ferdy Roberts gives a fine turn as Malvolio, his yellow stocking scene is a salacious bawd that almost makes you want to avert your eyes. Amy Marchant has an easy charisma as Viola, however the final scene where she speaks the lines of both twins does not sit right and in turn loses much of its intended effect.
This production is unlike any other Shakespeare you are likely to see. There are great moments of audience interaction, and you feel that no performance would be exactly the same as the next – the performers all showing they are able to adapt and mould themselves to the situation and audience that day.
With live musicians to complete the atmosphere this production of Twelfth Night is a fast, furious and raucous evening at the theatre which would be a great introduction to Shakespeare for teenagers and adults alike. ★★★★☆ Sam Chipman 13th April 2016
