Twelfth Night At Shakespeare North Prescot Review

DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW

Reviewed by Fiona Jones

It is official: this theatre show has replaced the 2006 film, ‘She’s The Man’, as my new favourite version of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night.

It was my first time visiting the Shakespeare North Playhouse in Prescot. As soon as I entered the building, the energy was electric: there was a real buzz amongst the audience, excited for the play ahead. This gave me my first indication that what I was about to see would not be the usual traditional style of Shakespeare.

The play does use traditional Shakespearian language but is interspersed with some extra dialogue and music. The use of ‘ye olde’ English sometimes means that a story can be difficult to follow, but this is certainly not the case here. The cast do an incredible job of telling the story through their use of expressions and how they interact with each other.

The theatre is set up in the round, with benches surrounding a central stage. There are only three rows of benches on each of three levels, which gives the theatre a very intimate feel. Coupled with how the actors move on and off the stage and through the aisles, it really feels that you are part of the action yourself.

The show starts with some audience participation, which is brilliantly orchestrated by Louise Haggerty as Feste. Her interaction with the crowd is warm and makes everybody feel welcome. It sets the tone for the audience that we are in safe hands. And not just safe hands: funny hands!

Twelfth Night is one of Shakespeare’s comedies, and this interpretation of it really exaggerates the comedy elements. The comedic duo of Jack Brown as Sir Toby Belch and Reuben Johnson as Sir Andrew Aguecheek had the audience crying with laughter. Their expressions and timing were impeccable, and their costumes also added to the hilarity.

Costumes were in fact used excellently for all cast members. It was evident that a lot of thought had gone into each person’s costume so that their character was clear. This technique was particularly useful for the talented actors Reuben Johnson and Kate James who both played two roles each. The approximate-30 second costume changes in one scene for Johnson between Sir Andy and Orsino was something to behold!

All of the cast were incredible in their roles, but particularly sensational was Les Dennis. Through his many experiences on the stage, it is clear that he has honed his craft. As an audience member, you are able to see his clear development of the character Malvolio. He goes from an unlikeable ‘jobsbody’ to someone who earns the audience’s sympathy, with audible “aww”s coming from the benches! His use of timing and expression also leads the audience to laugh a lot – somehow managing to laugh both with and at him.

Finally, the use of music in the show really adds to the experience. We are treated to musical performances from all the cast members, who all have excellent voices.
“If music be the food of love, play on!”

Rating: 4.5/5

Twelfth Night continues to play at Shakespeare North Playhouse until Saturday 29 June.
Tickets cost from £5 using the theatre’s ‘Pay What You Decide’ scheme to make theatre accessible for all.
For more information or to book tickets, visit: https://shakespearenorthplayhouse.co.uk/event/twelfth-night-not-too-tame/ or call the Box Office on 0151 433 7156.
Prospero Place, Prescot L34 3AB