Review of ‘Twelfth Night’ by William Shakespeare
Performed by Henfield Theatre Company, 30th June-2nd August 2014
Director: Rosemary Nice
As picnics were finished and glasses of Pimms purchased, the dulcet sounds of Elizabethan music
drifted across the leafy grounds of Red Oaks on a perfect summer’s evening. This could mean only
one thing: Henfield Theatre Company was about to start its latest production – the wonderfully
entertaining comedy of confused identities and romance that is ‘Twelfth Night’. Effective sound
recordings of a shipwreck were complemented by the beautiful playing of the lute (Rick Jones) and
the recorder (Simi Fyles); the audience was prepared to be entranced.
Ian Henham was suitably melancholy and lovesick as Count Orsino and the opening dialogue
between Viola and the Captain was powerful - we felt Viola’s distress. Nicola Ansell played Viola
throughout with conviction and apt expression. A nice contrast was immediately drawn between
the seriousness of the main plot and the comedy of the sub-plot: Maria (Jane Haines) and Sir Toby
Belch (Guy Dudeney) were consistently spot-on with their comic timing and they were ably
supported by Ken Jones as the ridiculous yet entertaining Sir Andrew Aguecheek.
The set was simple but highly effective, with Olivia’s and Orsino’s estates represented by ornate
gates on either side of the ‘stage’ to highlight their importance and rank in society. A stone bench,
centrally positioned, unified the space in a way that was satisfying to the audience and conveyed the
atmosphere well.
Olivia and her entourage worked effectively together, blending subtle humour and insight
(especially Graeme Muncer’s Feste), and making believable the personality changes that befall the
pompous Malvolio (Jerry Nice) and the reluctant, yet passionate Olivia (Liz Gibson).
The musical interludes were delightfully played and sung, appropriate to the period and enlivening;
the apparently impromptu ‘Thou knave, hold thy peace’ was a welcome delight, drawing
appreciative smiles and the comic set pieces elicited outright laughter from the audience. Members
of the cast stayed in role throughout and were fully engaged with all the events and actions of the
main characters.
Costumes were varied and impressive, with rich purple hues for Orsino’s court to denote his status
and the clever mirror-imaging of Viola’s and Sebastian’s outfits to confirm their bond as devoted
twins. Olivia’s dress was perhaps a little heavy and made her seem more forbidding than she
actually was and some characters’ shoes were perhaps a touch too modern.
Overall, this was a thoroughly enjoyable version of ‘Twelfth Night’, faithful to Shakespeare’s script
and purpose. The assured direction by Rosemary Nice, impressive acting skills and the high level of
attention to detail with the set, costumes, make-up and props, all made for a fine evening’s
entertainment. At the end, a lively and well-choreographed dance and song left the audience feeling
happy and satisfied at the joyous resolution of all complications.
Well done to all members of Henfield Theatre Company on an excellent production and for treating
the audience to a memorable evening’s entertainment.
Review written by Ursula Shepherd