SHAKESPEARE’S comedy Twelfth Night is the final production of the year at Leamington’s Loft Theatre.
The bard’s tale of unrequited love – both comic and heartbreaking – was written as a Christmas entertainment, and features mistaken identities, bewildering desires, and ribald revelry.
Twins Viola and Sebastian are separated when the ship they are travelling on is wrecked by a ferocious storm. Viola is washed up on the shores of Illyria, and believing her brother drowned, disguises herself as a boy. Calling herself Cesario, she finds a position as page to Duke Orsino, with whom she secretly falls in love.
But he is in love with the beautiful but aloof Countess OIivia and sends Viola as an intermediary to plead his cause. However, his plan goes awry when Olivia becomes more enamoured with the messenger than the message.
Then when Sebastian, who also survived the shipwreck, arrives on the scene total confusion reigns.
Director William Wilkinson said: “The play is a miracle of perfect structure and harmony. It blends broad comedy with moments of sadness, regret and a streak of darkness that never fails to delight. I know of no other play that is its equal – the perfect comedy.”
The production runs from December 5 to 15.
Visit www.lofttheatrecompany.com for tickets and further details.
