Hello world! Welcome back to another blog. In this blog I will be writing about my thoughts on Twelfth Night, which I saw on 11th December 2024 with fellow autistic creative Leo Long and performed by the National Youth Theatre REP company.
The plot as stated on the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust website goes as follows:
Viola thinks her brother is dead. He thinks that she is dead. Everyone thinks that she is her brother. Everyone thinks that her brother is her. Shenanigans ensue.
As I've seen the show before, I knew the structure of the story, and knew the personalities of the principal characters. Here are some of the standouts from this particular production.
Cathy Sole took on the role of Viola but disguising herself as Orsino servant Cesario. I loved her performance if the main character, as her determination to help Orsino whilst battling her own feelings really showed. And her monologue monologue following Malvolio giving “him his ring back” was a beautiful display. I Also loved the relationship with her twin Sebastian played by Daniel Regan. You could see how much they cared for one another, and despite a comedic mix up from Olivia, the emotion they put into the reunion was lovely to see.
Dominic Semwanga and Megan Keaveny took on the roles of Fes and Tay. I liked the idea of making the original character into two people, and I can imagine the challenge of how they split the dialogue. But they delivered it with perfection. And their singing was off the chart, especially Tay, who’s voice during “Wind and Rain” was beautiful.
Laura Masters took on the role of Olivia. I loved her version where at first just like the character she mourns for her brother, but in Act 2, she completely changes her look when she meets Cesario. I think it works better, and she definitely has a type when it comes to men. I especially loved her reaction at the end when the twins reunite, but I also loved her happiness when she gained a newfound friendship in Viola.
David Olaniregun took on the role of Duke Orsino. His authority to the character showed, and you could tell he was never going to back down for winning Olivia's heart. But it wasn't until Act 2 scene 4 where after a sad love song played by Fes and Tey, I think thats where the love started to show. And it wasn't until Cesario made him realise where Olivia does not feel the same about him where maybe the connection expanded, but Cathy and David's chemistry on stage worked really well together.
Selorm Adonu brought a modern urban vibe to the role of Toby! After seeing his some of his success already on his socials, I knew he wouldn’t disappoint. He brought the input when needed and also had a serious side when his character needed to watch over Olivia! And I loved the chemistry between him, Freya Catherine Purdie who played Maria, Alfie Wickham who played Andrew and Paddy Lintin who played Fabian, they make a brilliant dream team, especially they had abit of fun tricking Malvolio.
Finally, Emily Casey took on the role of Malvolio. Like Tamsin Greig who played this iconic role at the national theatre, there was no reason to say the role cannot be played by a woman! And I loved the her own spin on this character! Especially the moment where she wears yellow stockings and cross garters!
Before the play started they did a prologue at the beginning. This was a nice little addition they did, as it sets the tone nicely and it gave me some wonderful facts, particularly like how they mention the twelve days of Christmas, and that the play was set on that twelfth day! So that is something to keep in minds!
I really loved the scenery of the play! After Leo mentioned on how it’s got a modern vibe with a folk style spin, I can see why he thought that! I really liked it as well, as whilst it’s still got the classical text needed it’s also given the modern vibes to mix things up abit!
I must say as well, there are some wonderful musicians who really showed their skills! One of them being Orsino on the drums and the other being malvolio on the keyboard! It was a really good way of showcasing all kinds of talent, and for this play in particular, in the words of Orsino himself, music is the good of love.
You know what? I don't think I have any downsides to this performance, as the REP company made this production give off West End vibes. Everyone did an amazing job, but I feel I still need to do my research on the full story, as even though I've studied the play and seen it before, I could do with a refresher. But I think once you know the main plot of the story, it makes each scene easier to follow.
Overall I would give the show a full house! It was fun, it had folk village vibes and the dancing they did really got my foot tapping along!
And that was my review of this amazing show! Click the link below if you want to find out more about The National Youth Theatre, the amazing work they do and how they have changed peoples lives!
See you soon for another blog. Until next time...
This is The Autistic Actress signing off :)
Comments