Expert Review: Shakespeare's Comedy at Its Most Charming

4.4
★★★★★

Expert Rating

The Verdict

This Barbican production of Twelfth Night strikes the perfect balance between honoring Shakespeare's original text and bringing fresh contemporary relevance to the beloved comedy. The stellar cast delivers both the wit and emotional depth that makes this play enduringly popular, while the direction keeps the complex plot of mistaken identities clear and engaging throughout.

What Makes It Special

  • Exceptional Performances: The cast brings nuance and authenticity to Shakespeare's complex characters, particularly in the central love triangle.
  • Clear Storytelling: Despite the intricate plot of disguises and mistaken identities, the direction keeps the narrative accessible and engaging.
  • Contemporary Resonance: Themes of gender fluidity and sexual identity feel remarkably modern and relevant to today's audiences.
  • Barbican Quality: The prestigious venue provides excellent acoustics and staging that serves Shakespeare's language beautifully.

Perfect For

Shakespeare enthusiasts, lovers of romantic comedy, students studying the play, and anyone seeking intelligent entertainment that combines humor with genuine emotional depth.

Everything You Need to Know

The Story of Twelfth Night

Set in the fictional country of Illyria, Twelfth Night follows Viola who, after surviving a shipwreck, disguises herself as a young man named Cesario to serve Duke Orsino. Orsino is in love with Countess Olivia, who refuses his advances but falls for Viola in her male disguise. Meanwhile, Viola falls in love with Orsino, creating a complex love triangle.

The Subplot

The play features a brilliant comic subplot involving Olivia's pompous steward Malvolio, who is tricked by other servants into believing Olivia is in love with him. This leads to one of Shakespeare's funniest sequences of mistaken assumptions and social embarrassment.

Key Themes

  • Love and Desire: Different forms of love and attraction explored through multiple relationships
  • Gender and Identity: Questions about gender roles and sexual identity through Viola's disguise
  • Social Class: Commentary on social hierarchy and ambition through Malvolio's story
  • Appearance vs Reality: The theme of things not being what they seem runs throughout

The Characters

Main Characters

  • Viola/Cesario: The resourceful heroine who disguises herself as a young man
  • Duke Orsino: The lovesick duke pursuing the unattainable Olivia
  • Countess Olivia: The mourning noblewoman who falls for the disguised Viola
  • Sebastian: Viola's twin brother, presumed dead but very much alive
  • Antonio: Sea captain devoted to Sebastian
  • Malvolio: Olivia's puritanical steward with social ambitions

Comic Characters

  • Sir Toby Belch: Olivia's drunken, fun-loving uncle
  • Sir Andrew Aguecheek: A foolish would-be suitor to Olivia
  • Feste: The wise fool who serves as both entertainment and commentary
  • Maria: Olivia's clever gentlewoman who masterminds the plot against Malvolio

Character Development: Shakespeare creates complex characters who grow and change throughout the play, particularly Viola who must navigate multiple identities and relationships.

Practical Information

Show Times

  • Tuesday - Thursday: 7:30pm
  • Friday: 7:30pm
  • Saturday: 2:30pm & 7:30pm
  • Sunday: 3:00pm

Getting There

  • Underground: Barbican (2 mins walk), Moorgate (8 mins)
  • Buses: Multiple routes to Barbican Centre
  • Parking: Barbican Centre car park available

Theatre Information

  • Opened in 1982 as part of the Barbican Centre
  • Capacity: 1,166 seats across 3 levels
  • Accessible seating and facilities available
  • Air conditioning throughout
  • Multiple bars and restaurants in complex

Age Guidance

Recommended for ages 12+ due to complex themes and Shakespearean language. Contains mild sexual innuendo and themes of cross-dressing. Perfect for students studying Shakespeare and adults who appreciate sophisticated comedy.