ONE of Shakespeare’s most famous comedies is brought to life at the Coronation Hall on the 400th Anniversary of the Bard’s death

ULVERSTON Outsiders brought a new flavour to the timeless tale of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night with a production set in the roaring 20s. 

The Gatsby era fitted in well with the subtle innuendos and rip-roaring wit that is still so accessible to modern audiences. 

The somewhat twisted love story was brought to life by a convincingly aloof and elegant Olivia, played by 34-year-old Claire Boulter, who’s capricious speeches were delivered just so.

Her on-stage chemistry with off-stage friend and work colleague Emma Bonney, who played Viola, was both captivating and vibrant.

Miss Boulter said: “I really enjoyed taking on the role of Olivia, I think there is a lot of depth to her character and it was interesting to uncover all of that. 

“Rehearsals haven't felt like a chore at all, we have a great cast and such a friendly group of people. Myself and Emma both enjoyed the initial courtship scene best, we had quite a lot of fun with that. The part when Viola is down on one knee and Olivia's opinion towards to begins to change is a wonderful piece of theatre to act out.” 

The basic plot of the play involves a pair of shipwrecked, noble-born twins named Viola and Sebastian. They are washed up on a foreign land and as the storm clears, Viola finds herself alone and presumes her twin brother to be dead. 

She discovers that the country she is marooned in is named Illyria - and this is where the fun and intrigue really begins.

Viola, disguised as a young man and going by the name Cesario, quickly becomes a favorite of the Duke of Illyria, Orsino, who makes Cesario his page. Viola finds herself falling in love with Orsino, a tricky situation when Orsino believes her to be a man. 

Dressed as the young man Cesario, Viola, is sent to deliver a proclamation of love to the young and beautiful Olivia by her new master Orsino. 

The beautiful Olivia spurns the affections of Orsino and falls in love with Cesario (Viola) creating quite the love triangle.

Emma Bonney’s performance as the ‘maiden in disguise’ is fittingly dashing yet awkward, androgynous yet delicate, and the wooing of Olivia is a high point of the first act. 

Miss Bonney said: “Shakespeare is still so relevant to audiences now, especially when you can set them in different eras, it can be really fun. You only have to look at how popular the dramas are on the BBC to see that people are still relating to them.” 

Strong performances from Ulverston Outsiders veteran members carried the production along with plenty of laughs.

Bawdy jokes and laughter from Sir Toby Belch, played by Ian Honeyman, were bolstered by some good-humoured fun poked at the hapless Malvolio to create the right tone for a Shakespearean comedy. 

The performance is peppered with some good old 1920s songs and much drunken revelry from the consorts of Orsino.

Although the dialogue is at points slightly lost in the large hall, Shakespeare fans will enjoy this quirky take on a much-loved romantic tale.

  • The show runs until Saturday, at 7.30pm each night, and tickets are available from the venue's box office.

Review by Gabrielle Rowley