TWELFTH NIGHT AT THE REGENTS OPEN AIR THEATRE IS QUEERY, FUNNY, AND WORTH A VISIT!

By Ruth Thompson | @ruth.thompson_ ⭐⭐⭐ | Press Invite

It was my first time at the Regents Park Open Air Theatre, and it did not disappoint. I was incredibly lucky to walk through the park and enjoy the theatre visit in 23C sunshine which is how I think everyone should get to enjoy this unique viewing experience. Magically this Shakespeare comedy, Twelfth Night, was the first play that was staged at the Regents Open Air Theatre 90 years ago so seeing it in 2024 felt like a wonderful event. Finding my seat, I was seated to the sounds real birds within the park and the audio sea gulls resonating through the space to set the tone for the sea front story.

This quirky tale opens with Viola’s arrival to Olivia’s beachside restaurant with her name in lights, which is the backdrop for the whole production. Shipwrecked and separated from her twin brother she enters into a gender-bending charade to join the lovesick Duke Orsino’s circle. As ever nothing goes to plan and Viola, now “Cesario,” is sent to woo Olivia on his behalf only for her to fall in love with this her. The tale unfolds with mistaken identity, pranks, and song.

WITH ITS FAST PACE AND COMEDIC ELEMENTS THE SECOND HALF GRABBED THE AUDIENCE’S ATTENTION

This play is full of memorable characters and so many costume changes you sadly can’t remember them all. It’s queer and eccentric but stays true to Shakespeare’s original narrative. It plays with gender and sexuality with Michael Matus as Sir Toby Belch not only being a drunk but also a boisterous drag queen in sky high heels. Anna Francolini as Olivia gifted the audience with her fantastic singing and dramatics, whilst Richard Cant as Marvilio displayed his winning comedic timing and physical comedy.

The first act whilst necessary to the story did drag a little as the audience tried to settle in to the larger than life Blech who seemed out of place amongst his fellow characters but the second half with its fast pace and comedic elements grabbed the audience once more.

Twelfth Night directed by Owen Horsley is playing at the Regents Open Air Theatre from 3rd May – 8th June 2024.

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Photo Credit: Richard Lakos