I've seen (and been in) many productions of Twelfth Night, so I initially wasn't planning on seeing this production. It wasn't until I found out that they built the largest set piece in RSC history for it, a massive, working organ, that I was like 'we have to go to Stratford.' This wasn't a difficult case,
however, because my boyfriend was particularly keen to see Freema Agyeman (Doctor Who) as Olivia. I am so glad that I saw Prasanna Puwanarajah's production, it was a really touching and bittersweet interpretation of a play which can easily become too carnival-esque and light-hearted.
Freema Agyeman as Olivia was a force to be reckoned with. She was funny, devastating, and commanded that stage like it was her job. It's very apparent that she understands Shakespeare's language. Demetri Goritsas as Andrew Aguecheek was a goofy and loveable, yet earnest American tourist on a European tour. Joplin Sibtain as Toby Belch gave a startlingly tragic and dark performance, while still driving the comedy home. He took the alcoholism in this play, which is usually just made into a gag, into something much darker, he really showcased that Toby went too far. Samuel West delivered a strikingly subdued and quietly furious Malvolio, which I felt was really unique and gave a new feeling to this character.
With original music by Matt Maltese, this melancholic production directed by Prasanna Puwanarajah gave this play a whole new feeling. For me it became about grief during the holiday season and that strange feeling of melancholy some of us get even when the world around us is all holly and jolly.
My absolute favorite moment was Olivia's first entrance when the organ was first revealed, it was so epic and glorious, with the cast walking downstage all veiled in black with the organ slowly moving forward as well. The use of the organ was also so clever, not only was it fully operational, but the pipes on the top were also used as scenery and a hiding location during Malvolio's famous letter scene. Malvolio also slid down a pipe-like a fire pole for his yellow stockings entrance. Simply iconic. James Cotterill's costume and scenic design perfectly blended with the concept and feeling of the production, and George Dennis' brilliant sound design was amplified by the incredible organ. I loved the lighting design by Zoe Spurr, it was so striking and really helped to create the atmosphere, especially with Feste's scenes and at the very beginning post-shipwreck.
I thoroughly enjoyed this production, I thought it added layers to a play that productions seldom do. It was really moving and visually striking, I'm glad I took the journey to see it, it will stick with me for a long time. Certainly one of the best Twelfth Night's I've ever seen.
Rating: 5/5
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