Directed by Meghan Doyle and adapted by Ellen McDougall, the National Youth Theatre’s Twelfth Night is an immersive, Christmassy delight, spoiling audiences with wine, songs, parties, and moments of hilarious dark comedy.
The production feels somewhat rushed, with most characters’ portrayals blending together, making them resemble restless high school teenagers. This casting style is less convincing during the delicate love scenes, such as the willow cabin and music scenes. There is also little sense of queerness in these interactions, whether between Viola (Cathy Sole) and Olivia (Laura Masters) as two women, or between Viola and Duke Orsino (David Olaniregun) as two men.
However, the cast are strongly captivating in ensemble scenes featuring songs and music written by Naomi Hammerton. Led by Sir Toby (Selorm Adonu), Fabian (Paddy Lintin), and Andrew (Alfie Wickham), they instantly transform the stage into festive parties distilled with life and joy.
Contrastingly, Emily Casey steals the show as a female Malvolio, the only person who is alienated from Sir Toby’s revelry. Her performance easily reminds you of Tamsin Greg’s, an uptight neurotic character who suppresses her ambition while dressed in all-black attire, resembling a nun. Casey presents a narcissistic personality that falls into the category of contemporary psychology despite its Elizabethan origins. This darkness transforms into a flamboyantly glittering yellow gift box when Malvolio receives the forged letter, further inflaming his narcissism, where tragedy and comedy are two sides of the same coin.
The true emotional bond in this production is found in the twins’ recognition scene. Sebastian (Daniel Regan) and Viola approach each other slowly from opposite ends of the stage, creating a poignant and untainted connection in a play known for its intricate human relationships and chaos. This moment also recalls the opening, where the play doesn’t begin with the canonical line, but instead features the shipwreck scene through intense ensemble physicality.
Ethan Cheek’s set design is brilliant and witty. Initially, it features several upside-down evergreen trees from the loft with Christmas decorations, highlighting the festive vibe and providing “shelters” for Toby’s gang to hide in during the gulling scene. Later, it is adorned with golden tinsel and twinkling lights to further embody the festive atmosphere. But together with Ryan Day’s dim, haunting lighting, Olivia’s household is immediately transformed into a dungeon for Malvolio, both metaphorically and literally. Such duality faithfully captures the double nature of the play, an exuberant festive celebration laced with shadows of dark cruelty and despair.
In this adaptation, the National Youth Theatre succeeds in bringing Twelfth Night to life as a jubilant, immersive experience. While some nuances of character and relationships are lost in the high-energy rush, the production’s music, visual creativity, and moments of genuine emotional resonance make it an engaging exploration of Shakespeare’s festive canon.
