REVIEW: Twelfth Night - Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre

The intermittent rain on a Summer's night did nothing to dampen the spirits of theatre-goers last night for the Press Night performance of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. As part of its 10 year celebratory season, the Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre set the stage for the wonderfully romantic comedy. The award winning open air theatre was founded in 2010 by Storyhouse

Set in Illyria and a tale of shipwreck, mistaken identity and outrageous hilarity, the strong cast delivered a sterling performance on Wednesday evening to a mesmerised crowd. Directed by Julia Thomas with a talented cast, the performance was the perfect blend of traditional Shakespeare interspersed with modern day references.

Twins Viola and Sebastian are separated during a shipwreck. Viola (Whitney Kehinde) disguises herself as a man (Cesario) and enters the service of  Count Orsino (Steven Elliott). The Count is hopelessly in love with Olivia (Sarah-Jane Potts) and he sends Viola / Cesario to woo Lady Olivia on his behalf. Unbeknownst to Orsino, Viola has fallen in love with him.

Whitney Kehinde As Viola / Cesario - Photo Credit Mark McNulty

The arrogant, melancholic Malvolio played by the magnificent Samuel Collings obsessed by Lady Olivia's morning for her dead brother was an absolute pleasure to watch. We observe him being duped by Maria (Olivia's chamber woman), Olivia's uncle Sir Toby and the Jester Feste (Jessica Dives).

Samuel Collings As Malvolio - Photo Credit Mark McNulty

Sarah-Jane Potts known for her TV roles in Channel 4's Sugar Rush, BBC's Holby City, Waterloo Road and Casualty was perfectly cast as Lady Olivia. I was mesmerised by her. She was engaging, word perfect and delivered the role with undeniable emotion.

Sarah- Jane Potts As Lady Olivia - Photo Credit Mark McNulty

The comedic element to the performance was fantastic, the 21st Century references made the tale even more relatable without diverting from the artistic integrity of the original prose. Look out for signature moves from Beyonce's single ladies, jazz hands, cans of beer and copious amounts of flossing (the dancing kind).

Jessica Dives played an excellent Feste. Her vocal delivery was effortless and her lyrical tone brilliant. She was witty and sardonic.

Jessica Dives As Feste - Photo Credit - Mark McNulty

Whitney Kehinde was flawless in her portrayal of Viola and credibly pulled of the gender switch whilst playing Cesario. The star of the show for me was undoubtedly Samuel Collings as Malvolio. As physical theatre goes, he was a joy to behold. He delivered his role with passion and humour. You couldn't help but feel sorry for him as you watched him being duped. Marc Benga played a strong Sebastian and was an excellent fit for the role. He was a joy to watch.

Marc Benga As Sebastian - Photo Credit Mark McNulty

Although at times, there were some moments of lack of audibility, I could not fault the performance. The setting is incredible, the set design effective and the repertoire magnificent. It's a wonderful way to spend a summer's night.

The open air theatre provides the stage for the Rep company to deliver their magic from 5th July to 25th August and also stages The Borrowers and Henry V.

Witty, humorous, engaging and utterly brilliant.

Tickets can be purchased here

Photo Credit - Mark McNulty