I laughed out loud as Adrian Edmondson brought Malvolio to life in the infamous yellow stockings, while the inter-connected romances tugged at my heart strings.
Set in the Victorian period, Christopher Luscombe's production had a traditional, romantic feel to it. An artistic backdrop created a bohemian setting for Orsino's house, allowing Nicholas Bishop to become a hookah-pipe-smoking hopeless romantic, dreaming of marrying Olivia (although apparently not doing much else).
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| The Company of Twelfth Night. Photo taken from the RSC Website: https://www.rsc.org.uk/twelfth-night/past-productions/christopher-luscombe-2017-production/production-photos |
Kara Tointon embodied the mourning Olivia with a Victorian grace and poise. Her extravagant black dress flattered her stature as she positioned herself carefully around the stage. She dramatically covered her face with a lace black veil to give Viola-dressed-as-Cesario (Dinita Gohil) the rather large hint to leave.
Sir Andrew (Michael Cochrane) and Sir Toby (John Hodgkinson) provide a hilarious drunk and disorderly contrast to Edmondson's no-nonsense Malvolio. I couldn't help but feel sorry for poor Malvolio as he read what he believed to be a love letter from Olivia, but had to laugh as Sir Toby, Sir Andrew and Fabia (Sarah Twomey) blended into the broken nude statues in attempt to conceal themselves as they spied on him.
The set became transformed once again as Sebastian arrived by train, and his arrival complicated the existing love triangle between Orsino, Viola/Cesario and Olivia even further. The 21st Century discussion of gender identity and sexual orientation was hinted at as Orsino shares a kiss with Viola still thinking she is Cesario, while Olivia appears to fall in love with Viola.
Feste (Beruce Khan) was musical and colourful, bringing entertainment and joy everywhere he went. His energy was contagious, although his cheekiness drove poor Malvolio to the edge.
Luscombe created an all-round dazzling production, complete with a talented cast and wonderfully detailed set and wardrobe. Perfect for date night!
