“Twelfth Night”
A joyous Summer evening of fun, glamour, and romance in Shakespeare’s timeless comedy
Swept away to a world of mistaken identities, unrequited love, and dazzling flair in this joyous production ofTwelfth Night, Shakespeare’s most hilarious and heartwarming comedy.
When Viola is shipwrecked on the shores of Illyria, she disguises herself as a young man, “Cesario,” and enters the service of the lovesick Duke Orsino.
But her plans go awry when she finds herself falling for Orsino – while Olivia, the glamorous lady he pines for, falls head over heels for “Cesario” instead!
Amid the romantic chaos, a mischievous plot to unseat Olivia’s pompous steward, Malvolio, unravels, led by the riotous Sir Toby Belch and the sharp-witted Maria.
Perfect for first-time Shakespeare-goers and seasoned fans alike, Twelfth Night is a celebration of love, identity, and the joy of being swept off your feet.
Local Style Guide, Muddy Stilettos, recently gave us a rave review!
I book almost everything this company puts on – their productions are lively, funny and far from dusty am-dram. It’s like watching Love Island in the 14th or 15th century! This month it’s Twelfth Night at Deans’ Hall, and it’s a must-see. If you’re even slightly curious about seeing Shakespeare, I’d recommend this company as the productions are on a whole different level
Muddy Stilletos, 12 August 2025
Where and When was Twelfth Night performed?
We performed in Deans’ Hall in Berkhamsted (Map: Castle Street, HP4 2BB)
The stunning East window of the hall became the backdrop for our Illyria:
Shows were: 7.30pm 27th – 30th August, plus a matinee at 2.30pm on 30th August
Share of profits from the shows went to two charities that mean a lot to us, due to their support for our founder, Sarah Jones.
Advance review!
Clear, confident energy from the start
A brisk pace, clear storytelling, and laugh-out-loud moments make this Twelfth Night exactly the summer tonic it ought to be.
Having had the pleasure of previewing The Players Theatre Company’s upcoming Twelfth Night, I can say with confidence: audiences at Deans’ Hall in Berkhamsted are in for a treat.
Right from the opening moments, this is a production that crackles with clarity and life. The cast deliver Shakespeare’s lines with such ease and emotional precision that the centuries between us and the play seem to vanish. The humour doesn’t rely on gimmicks or slapstick, but emerges naturally from character, rhythm, and beautifully judged timing.
Characters that spark
Connie O’Donnell’s Viola (in disguise as Cesario) brings a balance of intelligence, warmth and comic subtlety that anchors the production. Her growing love for Orsino plays out with aching restraint, while Paris Arnold’s Orsino is convincingly smitten with Olivia and blissfully unaware of Cesario’s deeper feelings—making for several sharply funny and tender exchanges. A common challenge for amateur productions is casting believable twins—but here, the issue is cleverly solved: Viola and Sebastian are played by real-life siblings Connie and Daniel O’Donnell. Their resemblance, boosted by clever costume choices, makes the eventual reunion all the more satisfying.
Malvolio’s comic downfall
Ben Sowden’s Malvolio is a highlight: pompous enough that his downfall feels deserved, yet delivered with such comic flair that we can’t help but enjoy the ride. His yellow-stockinged humiliation is one of many moments where the cast lands the comedy with precision.
Love, confusion, and laughs
Niki Lewarne’s Olivia adds to the comedy with her swift and sincere attraction to the disguised Cesario. Her reactions heighten the absurdity of the situation, helping to drive several of the play’s funniest misunderstandings.
The ensemble work is another of this production’s strengths. Haydn Davis (Sir Toby Belch) and Andrew Peter Shaw (Sir Andrew Aguecheek) are a riot, especially in the famous Box Tree scene—where the audience is made gleeful accomplice to their mischief. Jo Emery (Maria) and Marc Howden-Smith (Fabian) round out a comic subplot that bubbles over with timing and energy.
Direction and design
Sarah Howell’s direction is tight and unshowy. She’s made judicious cuts to the text that keep the action motoring and the comedy crisp. The staging is simple but effective, enhanced by a magnificent set of hand-painted backdrops—soon to be beautifully framed by the arched window of Deans’ Hall itself.
A play to book now
The Players Theatre Company has a strong track record of bringing Shakespeare to life for modern audiences—and this production is no exception. Twelfth Night is a joyous, stylish, and confidently staged evening of theatre that will appeal to first-time Shakespeare-goers and seasoned fans alike.
Don’t miss it.
The Programme
Behind the scenes, in front of the characters
Find out more about the plot, the play, and the characters in these bite-sized videos. (Not all entirely serious. It is a very funny comedy!).
Click on the playlist icon in the top right corner to see more in the series:
Cast
Viola/Cesario – Connie O’Donnell
Captain – Jez Cladd
Sebastian – Daniel O’Donnell
Antonio – Ben Hooker
Orsino – Paris Arnold
Officer 1 – Bob Taylor
Valentine – Issy Bladen
Officer 2 – Issy Bladen
Olivia – Niki Lewarne
Sir Toby Belch – Haydn Davis
Sir Andrew Aguecheek – Andrew Peter Shaw
Maria – Jo Emery
Fabian – Marc Howden-Smith
Malvolio – Ben Sowden
Feste – Lynne Magennis
Priest – Issy Bladen
Creative Team
Director – Sarah Howell
Production Manager – Daniel O’Donnell
Wardrobe Mistress – Niki Lewarne
Set Design – Sarah Howell, Lynne Magennis, Daniel O’Donnell
