REVIEW: Twelfth Night At The Unicorn Theatre

Unicorn Theatre
Till 7th June

Twelfth Night performed in the round by the Unicorn Ensemble is a delightful affair.  Beautifully set with a grassy stage, hanging tree and water pool in a design by Lou Wilson and well lit with strong washes by Anna Watson.  The beginning sees the cast spend time establishing the characters they are about to play, a wise decision in a play that all ready has enough cases of mistaken identity and is very helpful for The Audience.  Viola played by John Cockerill, who doubles as her twin Sebastian, is shipwrecked on the shore of Illyria.  Believing her brother to be lost at sea she disguises herself as a man, taking a job with the Duke Orsino.  The Duke is besotted with the grieving Olivia and Viola, now disguised as Cesario, is dispatched to try and win her over for 'his' master.  Olivia however, falls in love with Viola whilst Viola herself is in love with the Duke.  Director Rosamunde Hutt has done a good job of ensuring comedy and heartfelt seriousness intertwine in an accessible production.

Throughout the play there is a series of live songs accompanied by actors playing the accordion and guitar, which is at its best when used as the cast change into their different characters, keeping the action going.  However, the more involved musical interludes were a nice touch but perhaps held up the action for a little too long in places.

It was great to see the young audience engaging with the Bard, the cast worked hard to give the piece the frivolity and energy to make it fun and not something to be feared.  All the parts are played with aplomb, but it was the revelry of Sir Toby, Samantha Adams, and Sir Andrew, David Smith, that was the highlight and raised the most laughs.  Costumes were well chosen and the use of small ruffs was a clever hark back to Shakespeare's day.

After the performance the cast remained in the auditorium and were available for The Audience to speak with which was great to see.  This has been a good first year for the Unicorn Ensemble and I look forward to their second.