A JOYOUS AND UPROARIOUS TWELFTH NIGHT AT THE GLOBE

By Emma Carney | Bunny Pudding · Digital Coven · @bunnyscopes ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Press Invite

As someone who watches A LOT of Shakespeare annually, I can confidently say there is no better venue to watch a performance of an old classic  than the Globe. This production of Twelfth Night is a fabulous, fantastical adventure and a riotous celebration of comedy that feels both timeless and thrillingly fresh.

The vibrant, playful costumes were a highlight in themselves, perfectly capturing the spirit of Illyria’s wild festival. (I’m still coveting a particular pair of Tiffany green boots that were a masterstroke of character styling.) This inventive design is part of the Globe’s brilliant ethos, successfully reinventing a familiar play and making it feel exciting and new.

The clownery and buffoonery were executed to perfection, with physical comedy that had the audience in constant, loud laughter. It was a powerful reminder of theatre’s timeless magic, connecting us directly with audiences from centuries past. A particular highlight was the infamous prank on Malvolio, where Pearce Quigley’s perfect blend of pathos and comic timing elicited cackles from the entire crowd.

The cast’s phenomenal energy was infectious, forging a genuine connection that made us care deeply for every character. This wasn’t just acting; it was a masterclass in charisma. Sharing the matinee with groups of high-school kids only amplified the joy—their gasps and cheers as the actors wove through the yard, breaking the fourth wall, was a reminder of the raw, unpredictable magic that only live theatre can provide.

The live band was the heartbeat of the show, injecting a party-like atmosphere that had everyone tapping their feet. But the true stars were the actors, who seemed to be having the time of their lives. Ian Drysdale and Jocelyn Jee Esien were a comedic dream team, their impeccable timing as Sir Andrew Aguecheek and Maria generating constant laughter. Ronkẹ Adékọluẹ́jọ́ was a revelation as Viola, radiating a witty, modern charm that had the entire audience rooting for her. And then there was Jos Vantyler’s Feste—an absolute tour-de-force. He didn’t just play the fool; he commanded the stage, with a vocal prowess and mischievous glint that made every one of his appearances a show-stopping highlight.

This Twelfth Night is a spectacular success, a production that delivers pure, unadulterated joy from start to finish.

Twelfth Night Or What You Will Review is running at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre until Saturday 25 October.

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Photo Credit: Helen Murray