Twelfth Night 2023

This week, it was back to the 80s, as the Upper Sixth Literature and Performance class gave us their version of ‘Twelfth Night’ by William Shakespeare. The audience were treated to plenty of colourful characters as well as slapstick humour, all performed outdoors in the Betjeman Pit.

The Literature and Performance class have been studying the play since last summer, and have been rehearsing intensely. They were keen to set the play in a more relatable era so, with their love of all things 1980s, it was decided that an 80s theme would be the perfect twist on this classic Shakespearean play. The scenes were cleverly punctuated with 80s music along with some amusing costumes to really engage the audience. 

‘Twelfth Night’ follows the journey of a set of twins Viola and Sebastian, who are separated in a terrible storm and get washed up ashore in Illyria. With two sets of twins in the class, it was both challenging and interesting to cast. Maxim and Oliver played Malvolio and Maria (now dubbed Mario). These were two extremely different characters being performed by identical twins!

Meanwhile, Paddy played Duke Orsino, while his twin Isla played Countess Olivia who the Duke is in love with. Thankfully the love is unrequited and the story is full of mishap, mistaken identities and foolery. 

There were plenty of smiles and laughter from the audience and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the performance.

“What I enjoyed most was the ability to express myself physically; I love sport and being active, and being able to come into a space and take a different approach than sport and express my creativity has been brilliant.” Paddy, Upper Sixth

“It’s been amazing to see how much people have progressed and the way people have stepped up their performance from the rehearsals. I’m so proud of the whole team.”  Isla, Upper Sixth

“I really enjoyed all the tunes, and the energy when performing.” Zeynep, Upper Sixth