We all love Twelfth Night – Shakespeare’s classic comedy about mistaken identity, cross dressing, disguise, love and tomfoolery. But with Creation Theatre in charge, it’s taken up a level.
Led once more across the cricket pitch at Wolfson College, an unexpected oasis where children and families picnic and play games, the Creation tent awaits, ready to sprinkle some of its famous magic on this summer production.
‘the Creation tent awaits, ready to sprinkle some of its famous magic on this summer production’
It’s a simple setting, wooden chairs and rugs framing the grassy stage in the middle of the marquee, the small, brilliant cast of six multi-roling, musical-playing Creation actors entering from all sides in various guises after some whistle-stop costume changes that Superman would be envious of.
And while Twelfth Night switches between some varied and complex landscapes, from shipwrecked beaches to royal courts, Creation tucks this ably under its wing by clearly demonstrating and delivering the plot in a totally accessible, fun and riveting way which ticks all the boxes.
‘Creation clearly demonstrates and delivers the plot in a totally accessible, fun and riveting way ‘
Cue Viola (the adorable Hayley Murray), as we’re instantly drawn into her dilemma; washed up on the shores of Illyria, her brother lost at sea, she disguises herself as a male servant to Orsino, Duke of Illyria, and so the roller-coaster ride of a show begins, the farcical elements developing thick and fast.
Everyone is in love with the wrong people, no one is who they say they are, and those caught in the middle are clueless of the web being weaved around them.
Throw in obsequious steward Malvolio, drunkards Sir Toby Belch (Ben Elder) and Sir Andrew Aguecheek (Neil Urquhart), the scheming and manipulative Maria (Lydia-May Cooney) and love struck Olivia (Rachael Adeyoluwa), and the fun begins.
But what Creation does so well is really personalise each and every one of them, rather than rendering them as static, cliched Elizabethan characters, by breathing life, humour and vibrancy into their very bones.
‘if Malvolio steals the show in his flippers, goggles and squirting cream, it’s a close run thing’
And if Malvolio, played so effortlessly and ridiculously by Andy Owens, steals the show in his flippers, goggles and squirting cream, it’s a close run thing, every actor shining and enveloping the audience in the tomfoolery, music, singing and chaos that ensues.
Even the small children in the audience were entirely captivated, laughing away as the fight scenes and duels play out in front of them with water pistols, wrestling and even pool noodles.
As is Shakespeare’s wont, all is eventually untangled and resolved, but not before the characters’ identities and desires have been exposed. Neither Creation doesn’t shy away from the cruelty inflicted on Malvolio so casually by Sir Toby and Sir Andrew, but more vindictively by Maria.
‘Creation makes the world a better place for us all’
A joyful, fun and accomplished romp that’s impossible to resist, Creation makes the world a better place for us all.
And a word to the fox who kept running past, carrying off the field games in its mouth, perfect timing!
Creation is interspersing Twelfth Night with A Midsummer Night’s Dream READ ABOUT THE DOUBLE BILL HEREÂ
A Midsummer Night’s Dream plays at Wolfson College until August 14. Plus two tour dates to: Harwell Campus, Didcot on 23 July and Rectory Farm, Stanton St John on 25 July. Book here: Summer Shakespeare: A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Creation Theatre
Otherwise, Twelfth Night runs at Wolfson College until August 16. Go to http://www.creationtheatre.co.uk for tickets and more information. Don’t miss it!
