Globe Theatre
Tuesday, November 26
REVIEWED BY BARBARA FRAME
Shakespeare's Twelfth Night and Dunedin Sound infused University of Otago in the 1980s - can they come together in a coherent and satisfying whole?
At the Globe, under Brent Caldwell’s inspired and expert direction, the answer is a triumphant "yes".
Duke Orsino becomes the university’s vice-chancellor, Malvolio is the proctor, Sir Toby Belch and Sir Andrew Aigucheek are either hopeless students or aimless hangers-on (it doesn’t matter) and everyone else just seems to fit in.
Sofie Walvaert’s revolving stage has migrated from the Playhouse and allows quick and adaptable scene changes, and props include cluttered shelves and ’80s posters, including those of well-known Dunedin Sound bands.
Costumes, from the VC’s natty suits to Feste’s Sextet outfit and Malvolio’s yellow leg warmers (a brilliant substitute for cross-gartered stockings), have been co-ordinated by Rosemary Manjunath and add to visual complexity.
Dunedin Sound musicians have given permission for their work to be used in the show, and transitions and balance are skilfully handled by musical director Sam Meikle as part of a six-person live band playing music that includes Flying Nun classics.
The production is dedicated to Chills lead singer Martin Phillips, who died earlier this year.
A strong cast ensures consistently good acting performances.
Especially notable is Don Townsend who, as Malvolio, emphasises his character’s humanity and pathos as the victim of a cruel and heartless joke.
Others are clever and inventive: space does not permit detailed description here, but mention must be made of Sacha McConnon as Viola, Maegan Stedman-Ashford as imperious Lady Olivia, Thomas Makinson as hopelessly besotted Orsino, Daniel Cromar as Aigucheek, and Aimee Freeman as Feste.
There was a lot to like at the industry preview on Tuesday night and I Iiked it very much.
This has been a very successful year at the Globe and this exuberant, gleeful production concludes it with an irresistibly special treat.
