Wondering how Ryde School would take on the Shakespearean romantic comedy Twelfth Night, was the subject of much chatter inside the Jenny Kerry Performing Arts Centre. Having been armed with glow-sticks and daubed with glitter make-up in the foyer and with the entrancing pulse of the sun-kissed dance tunes vibing out of the theatre entrance, it was clear we were on our way to Ibiza! When any company decides to shine a new light on one of ‘The Bards’ cherished plays, it can be greeted with reservation and trepidation. The cast and crew need not have worried about this as the Balearic-Dance-Isle provided a perfect home for the dizzying, party-filled adventures of the deceptive characters in Twelfth Night.

Having been lucky enough to see a few brilliant performances from Ryde School in the past, our expectations were high and we were eager to see how the cast took on the challenge of the language and interwoven plot. As we settled into our seats and the music began to level off, Toby Belch – Alfie Luke – strolled oafishly on to stage to deal out a ‘laddish’ welcome to all who eagerly awaited. It was clear we were in for a treat!

The play itself possesses many of the traits of a typical Shakespearean comedy with mistaken identity, love and marriage, disguise and witty word play all focusing on the aftermath of a shipwreck. After the disaster, Viola – Lily Jones, decides to disguise herself as a man named Cesario having convinced herself her twin brother Sebastian – Henry Walker, is dead. She then resolves to work for Duke Orsino – Rafferty Moore. Falling in love with Orsino, who in turn loves the Countess Olivia – Emma Clark, she lays the groundwork for the chaotic events later in the play. Olivia then falls for ‘Cesario’, creating a perfect love triangle. Skirting these events is the farcical pursuit of Olivia by Sir Andrew Aguecheek – Leonardo Jones. Sir Toby Belch, Olivia’s uncle, plays a significant prank on her arrogant servant Malvolio – Hamish Barrett, convincing him that his loving feelings for his mistress are returned. This leads to a joyously comedic scene for all except the hapless servant. Meanwhile, Viola’s twin brother, Sebastian, arrives, causing confusion over their identities. Olivia marries Sebastian, thinking he is Cesario. Finally, Viola reveals her true identity, marrying Orsino and resolving the chaotic love story with two happy couples.

Lily Jones playing the protagonist of the play was excellent. Not only did she manage to plausibly take on both the roles of Viola and ‘Cesario’ but she did so with skillful aplomb utilising a range of dramatic nuances and well chosen gestures. A stunning performance that belied her youthful years. Whilst courting the audience, manipulating other characters and grappling for wads of money from his woebegone target Andrew, Alfie Luke, epitomised the modern Shakespere actor. He possessed oodles of energy, excellent comic timing and wonderful stage presence and versatility. These performances notwithstanding, it was Hamish Barrett’s turn as the love-struck Malvolio in the cross-gartered, dance-suited, servant-turned-fool routine that roused the greatest reaction from the attentive audience. This was such a brilliant comedic moment; great set up and visual punchline providing a true knock-out! Both Emma Clark and Raffety Moore demonstrated great characterisation and depth to their love-struck mismatched roles. Both displaying upper class pomposity and elevated self-importance that blinded them from the truth right in front of their eyes. With cowardice and excellent scuttling across the stage, Leonardo Jones gifted the audience to a brilliant envisioning of Sir Andrew. Other standouts ably supporting the dynamic flow of the interwoven plot were, Henry Walker as Sebastian, Zoe Swann as Maria and Winnie Ball as Antonia.

The cast and crew managed to present this comic play with a raving freshness that perfectly matched the genre of music. The rave and shipwreck choreography was entrancing and made for an excellent visual spectacle underscored by a soundtrack of ‘90’s bangers’ provided by onstage DJ Jem- Jemima Sunderland. The dance party that interjected different moments of drama both lifted the atmosphere and energised the audience. Other musical talent was provided by Feste- Luca Franklin-Aminu and Festee – Jemima Rees who beautifully played and sang respectively. The set was excellent in its simplicity and allowed for multiple routes of stage traffic and comic moments of deception. The sound and lighting were well suited and accomplished. Whilst microphones were only used for the busking sets, this didn’t hamper the production with the cast projecting their lines very effectively.

Whilst Twelfth Night was undoubtedly another major success for Ryde School, it also demonstrated something else, that the aged tales of Shakespeare can and will be creatively refreshed, renewed and thoroughly enjoyed by a modern audience. The creative team really are to be commended on their interpretation which was undoubtedly enjoyed by all. “Some are born great, some achieve greatness and some have greatness thrust upon them”… and Ryde School definitely delivered greatness in bucketloads with this performance!