Under the setting sun at Regent’s Park, Owen Horsley’s production of Twelfth Night sets the play entirely in a bar called ‘Olivia’.
The Shakespeare classic has survived many interpretations, including a female Malvolia at the National Theatre, a house music take for television, a cross-dressing Feste in Bradford, and a carnival at the Young Vic.
Here, Sir Toby Belch is a drag queen played with absolute relish by Michael Matus. Olivia (Anna Francolini) herself is flame-haired and over-painted, eager for love, while Andrew Aguecheek (Matthew Spencer) is more confused than comic.
For Julie Legrand’s Feste, the part is given a weary Dietrich vibe, lounging and looking across the tables and making pointed remarks on the action. Malvolio (Richard Cant) ramps up the camp playfulness of his yellow-stockings after a few scenes of restraint.
Viola, who disguises herself as one ‘Cesario’, is beautifully captured by Evelyn Miller, whether she is pursued by Olivia or hiding her love for Raphael Bushay’s brisk Orsino.
Toby and Maria (Anita Reynolds), Sebastian (Andro Cowperthwaite), and Antonio (Nicholas Karimi) all have their moments of teasing, tender love.
This Twelfth Night, bursing with colour (Aideen Malone designs the lighting) and wit, presents a gender-fluid frolic through the Mediterranean. Basia Binkowska’s set suggests a ship in its lines, steps, and repeated Os.
Horsely chooses to showcase the comic aspects of this story, while allowing the message to be, to quote Shakespeare’s alternative title, “What You Will.”, or who you will.
At 2hr 45, including interval, this production is lengthy but never sags. Songs have been placed from other plays, notably “Fear No More” from Cymbeline and “Crabbed Age and Youth” from The Passionate Pilgrim.
The closing number, “The Wind and the Rain,” offers both wise comment and a take on the traditional family portrait. But that’s not all, as there’s reclamation and reflection after the bows to send you on your way.
Twelfth Night was the first ever production at this theatre, 92 years ago. Here, it is given a queer gloss across its identity and seems made for it.
An enjoyable version of the play, Twelfth Night continues at Open Air Theatre, Regent’s Park, until 8 Jun with tickets here.
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Image credit: Richard Lakos