Twelfth Night or What You Will

ShakesBeer is a lively company of Shakespeare aficionados. Their productions aim to more closely resemble the performance conditions of Shakespeare’s time. The experienced troupe of performers are given minimal rehearsal time and work without stage lighting and sets. Like some companies of the time, who performed in inns and taverns, this production is performed cabaret style, and the bar remains open throughout the performance, allowing audience members to avail themselves of an ale.

The differences from Shakespeare’s time include the fact that there are (real) women on stage and that the company consists of just five performers (and a stage manager). This means that each performer plays multiple roles - some of whom will eventually need to talk to each other (and they make this great fun). The show has also been studiously and cleverly cut to around 90 minutes.

This is a very strong company. Andrew Kocsis, dramaturg for the production, played Malvolo, Curio, the Officer and Priest - and is especially fun as Malvolio - wearing a great modern interpretation of yellow cross-gartered stockings. Joel Sammels very nicely inhabits Orsino, Antonio, Sir Andrew and ‘Random Servant’, while Wade Ellis finds the fun in Sir Toby and Feste and plays the Captain.

Melissa Merchant, pulling double duty as Production Manager and Public Relations co-ordinator plays both the lovely Olivia and her naughty lady’s maid Maria, with a lovely switch of accents and demeanour. Beautifully completing the cast, Sarah Courtis plays both look-alike twins - protagonist Viola (and her alter-ego Cesario) and her brother Sebastian - playing the trio of roles with lovely distinction.

The show is stage managed by Tiffany Banner, who also co-ordinated the props and costumes - and who remains visible throughout the production.

The aptly named ShakesBeer is a great way to enjoy a drink with friends and is good fun for both those familiar with The Bard, and for those experiencing the play for the first time. I look forward to future productions.

Kimberley Shaw