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Twelfth Night: A riot of Shakespearean chaos mixed with trademark humour and heart

Summer in Cornwall can only mean one thing – Miracle Theatre is back on tour!

Bethany and Joanna made their way to the iconic Minack Theatre to catch this year’s delightfully bonkers production of Twelfth Night – and true to Cornwall 365 tradition, it poured with rain. But no amount of drizzle could dampen the fun, with the cast bringing enough energy, colour, and joy to lift even the soggiest spirits.

 

The play kicks off with a modern twist on the classic shipwreck – this time it’s a cruise ship – as twins Viola and Sebastian are swept apart at sea. Viola finds herself in the vibrant land of Illyria right as its annual festival kicks off, with Sebastian not far behind. Cue a whirlwind of mistaken identities, disguises, and a tangled love triangle that keeps the laughs coming.

 

Miracle Theatre has been tackling Shakespeare for over 40 years – their first production was Macbeth back in 1984 – and this latest outing proves the Bard is still in excellent hands. The script has been cleverly trimmed and updated, cutting the runtime by 40% and injecting a pace and clarity perfect for an open-air audience. With actors switching roles in the blink of an eye, there’s never a dull moment on stage.

 

Daniel Richards and Benjamin Dyson brought to life the inebriated double act of Toby Belch and Andrew Aguecheek, rarely seen without a drink or ridiculous hat. Sophia Dear brought elegance to Olivia and a stunning singing voice to Feste, while Miracle newcomers Pip Cook and Jowan Jacobs injected fresh energy into Viola/Maria and Malvolio/Antonio. We loved Jowan’s entrance in the yellow stockings!

 

Ellie Williams’ vibrant set design added to the fun, with turquoise tones evoking the Adriatic Sea. We were particular fans of the swimming pool décor (I need to get one of those deck chairs!)

Twelfth Night is classic Miracle Theatre, a riot of Shakespearean chaos mixed with trademark humour and heart. With the show touring 28 venues across the South West this summer, there are plenty of chances to join the fun. Don’t miss it!

Twelfth Night tours until 23rd August. Find a venue near you and book your tickets here