It has long been understood by audiences across Teesdale that Shakespeare’s works lend themselves readily to reinvention.
Touring groups and local companies have, over the years, presented imaginative reinterpretations of the Bard’s familiar stories, reframing them through new geographical and historical lenses.
Last month, it was the turn of The Witham Youth Theatre, who approached Twelfth Night with a bold creative twist of their own.
The young members burst onto the stage with infectious energy and enthusiasm in William Shakes beer’s Twelfth Pint, a lively reimagining that transports Twelfth Night to the vibrant Illyria nightclub, presided over by the charismatic owner, Orsino – John Dixon.
On what begins as an ordinary night out, twins Viola and Sebastian – played with confidence and charm by Genevieve and Rook Twiss – find themselves unexpectedly separated, setting the story in motion.
Olivia, recast here as the club’s resident lounge singer, is brought to life by Feli Monteagudo.
Sir Toby Belch – Libby Forsyth and Sir Andrew Aguecheek – Mary Handley prove to be the perfect comic pairing, delivering brilliantly timed humour and standout moments.
The laughter continued with an excellent performance from Sam Tarpey as Malvolio, whose scenes drew some of the strongest reactions from the audience.
The remainder of the ensemble – Oliver Goldsborough, Katie McLeod, Edie Furness, Ellie Walkering, Macsen Davies, Sky Fleming, Olivia Miller, Harry Dixon, Reece Dixon, Violet Furness, and Lourdes Monteagudo – bring the Illyria nightclub to life with an engaging array of supporting characters, each contributing to the vibrancy and momentum of the production.
With the addition of a live band on stage, the production gained an extra layer of atmosphere, lending the nightclub setting an authenticity and energy.
Every member of The Witham Youth Theatre was evidently giving their all, resulting in a production filled with commitment, personality, and youthful spirit.
I look forward with great anticipation to future performances from The Witham Youth Theatre.
This was, without doubt, an entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable night out for audiences of all ages.
