A symphony of laughter, love, and mistaken identity: this summer, see Shakespeare’s classic Twelfth Night performed in idyllic green spaces around London.
This delightful production by theatre group, Shakespeare in the Squares, breathes new life into the beloved comedy, perfectly capturing it’s playfulness and infusing it with a contemporary twist. The play centres twins Viola and Sebastian, who are separated in a shipwreck – both thinking the other is dead. Mistaken identity, marriage and much laughter ensues. Further still, all shows are performed at beautiful open-air stages in garden squares around London.
Shakespeare in the Square’s Twelfth Night effortlessly strikes a delicate balance between honouring Shakespeare’s original text and injecting it with a modern sensitivity. The production’s ability to seamlessly blend tradition and innovation is a testament to the skill and creativity of its ensemble. The cast deliver exciting, mastered performances full of energy – truly making the story accessible to audiences of all backgrounds.
The set is minimal – a table, a chair, a flower covered archway – but is more than enough given the picturesque backdrop. Trees sway gently behind the actors as they perform and noises from the streets beyond create a gentle sound track. At key moments, the cast come together with live music and singing, adding further depth to the storytelling. The songs are often modern pop songs, performed on traditional historical instruments. These interludes create a lively atmosphere, immersing the viewer and fusing the gap between the audience and actors.
Shakespeare in the Squares Twelfth Night is a theatrical gem, with its captivating performances and quirky backdrops this production is the perfect way to spend a warm summer’s evening. Twelfth Night will leave you full of laughter, love and a renewed appreciation of Shakespear’s enduring genius.
Twelfth Night is showing in Squares across London until the 7th July. Tickets and more information are available here.
Image: Twelfth Night-Shakespeare in The Squares, credit-James Millar
Review by Amy Melling
Amy is a Curator and Creative Producer whose practice is centred around community-led arts projects. Her current research is focused on curatorial methods for exhibiting artworks outside. Amy has a keen interest in the arts and recently completed an MA in Curating and Collections at Chelsea College of Arts, UAL.
Read Amy’s latest review here Review: RESOLVE Collective: Them’s the breaks-Barbican Curve Gallery, until 16 July – Abundant Art
