Welcome to today’s performance!
Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” – the plot
A terrible storm wrecks a ship off the coast of Illyria. Viola survives, but believes her twin brother, Sebastian, has drowned. She finds herself alone in an unfamiliar land.
A kindly sea captain helps her. With his support, Viola disguises herself as a young man and takes the name “Cesario.” Dressed this way, she gets a job with Duke Orsino — Illyria’s lovesick ruler.
Orsino is obsessed with the Countess Olivia. But Olivia refuses to see him. She’s mourning the loss of her brother, and she wants nothing to do with love (for the next seven years). Nevertheless, Orsino sends Cesario (Viola in disguise) to deliver messages on his behalf.
But Olivia finds herself drawn to the charming young Cesario — not knowing he’s actually a woman. And Viola, secretly, has fallen for Orsino.
Meanwhile, back at Olivia’s estate, things are no calmer. Her fun-loving uncle, Sir Toby Belch, has invited a foolish friend, Sir Andrew Aguecheek, to try his luck at courting Olivia. He doesn’t stand a chance.
Together with Olivia’s clever maid Maria and the jester Feste, Sir Toby plans a trick on Olivia’s stern steward, Malvolio. They forge a love letter to make Malvolio believe Olivia is secretly in love with him. He falls for it completely.
Viola’s problems grow. She can’t tell anyone her true identity. Olivia keeps pursuing her. Orsino keeps talking about Olivia. And then Sir Andrew challenges Cesario to a duel. Viola is terrified — she’s never fought anyone in her life.
At the same time, Sebastian (Viola’s twin) arrives in Illyria. Everyone mistakes him for Cesario. Olivia meets Sebastian — and thinking he’s the same person she’s fallen for — she proposes. He says yes.
As the chaos builds, the joke on Malvolio turns cruel. He’s locked away as mad. Even some of the pranksters begin to wonder if things have gone too far.
Finally, Viola and Sebastian meet. The confusion starts to clear. Identities are revealed. True feelings come to light. The right people find each other.
There’s music. There’s celebration. There’s love.
Twelfth Night is a tale of disguise, mistaken love, and unexpected joy — all played out in a world where nothing stays hidden for long.
The production
The show will last approximately 2 hours 30 minutes including a 20 minute interval
The bar, selling drinks and snacks, will be open from an hour before each show.
Cast & Crew
More information about the cast and crew, and The Players Theatre Company, can be found in the show programme. (Profits from sales go to our two chosen charities, The Hospice of St Francis and Breast Cancer Now).
Find us online
We’d love to know what you think of today’s performance. Get in contact here, or leave us a message on our Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/theplayerstc
If you loved the show, please do tell your friends. (If you didn’t, please do tell us)
Finally, if you’d like to join us – on stage, behind the scenes, or in any way, we’d also love to hear from you. Join Us!
