Or What You Will. Shakespeare comedy of mistaken identity, practical jokes and unrequited love. Rescued from a shipwreck the twins Viola and Sebastian arrive independently in Illyria, both thinking the other is drowned. Viola disguises herself as a boy and finds employment with the Duke who is in love with Olivia. Malvolio is the subject of a cruel joke played on him by Sir Toby Belch (yellow stockings cross-gartered) leading him to believe that Olivia loves him. But Olivia has fallen in love with the disguised Viola, while she is in love with the Duke (following it so far?!). Set in a capricious world of love and laughter, mistaken identities and misdirected passions, Twelfth Night remains as fresh and delightful as ever. David Knapman's 1920's set and costumes fit the production to perfection. Here a beautiful country house and its grounds are filled with midsummer madness, gorgeously gowned flappers and perpetual music. It is peopled by one of Shakespeare's most enchanting heroines, Viola, a household of his most ludicrous wits and plenty of poseurs.| 7 Sep 99 to 11 Sep 99 | Theatre Royal Bath, Bath & North East Somerset Performance Details => Venue archive |
