[Ad-gifted] Stafford Gatehouse Theatre is a truly the jewel in the crown in Stafford and it is always a grand occasion head to the theatre to watch their annual Shakespeare productions. Over the years we have featured some amazing productions such as ROMEO + JULIET which was performed in the grounds of Stafford Castle and A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM which saw over 5,000 people watching the production.
This year, we’ve been invited to the press night to review the theatre’s 32nd Stafford Shakespeare production, TWELFTH NIGHT: A Cornish Tale which is set in 1958. As we arrived at the theatre, we noticed that the theatre was decorated with elements to mimic a Cornwall fishing village with the Grand Staircase wrapped in fishing net to give the audience a feeling of the seaside.
Produced by Mike Groves, the Bard’s story begins with twins Viola (played by BAFTA winner Molly Windsor) and Sebastian (played by Benedict Landsbert-Noon) discovering the shocking truth that their father seemingly a man of honour and philanthropy was actually involved in piracy.
Now that he has died, his debts have come due, placing the twins in grave danger. Desperate to escape, they stow away in a merchant ship heading south to Europe. The ship encounters a violent storm and the ship capsizes resulting in the loss of many sailors. Viola gets separated from her brother but finds herself rescued by the ship’s captain. Together they wash up on the shores of a Cornish fishing village called Illyria and Viola’s adventures begins but will she ever be reunited with her brother again?
If music be the love of food, read on..
What did I think of the Twelfth Night?
As we walked into the theatre, we heard The Evolution of Fishermen, the London-based folk band play some beautiful melodies. Set and Costume Designer, Alfie Heywood has done an amazing job by creating a lavish set encompassing an entire Cornwall fishing village which was complete with a working pub called The Elephant Inn.
Large elements of the scenery have been built with the help of recycled material fresh from the beaches of Cornwall and Devon, after the theatre formed a ground-breaking partnership with Keep Britain Tidy’s Ocean Recovery Project.
Award-winning Director Sean Turner, who also directed last year’s record-breaking A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM did a stellar job by creating a tale that has captivated audiences for over four centuries with its rich tapestry of mistaken identities, unrequited love and human folly.
Each of the cast were just astounding and so well suited in their roles and made their characters believable. Top comic Seann Walsh surprised me as Malvolio with his antics and kept the audience in stiches, BAFTA winner Molly Windsor was a dream to watch and a true beauty by giving her character the life it needed while Netflix star Natalie Anderson (who plays Olivia), kept the audience amused with her flirty personality.
I loved the chemistry between Bob Golding (who plays Sir Toby Belch), Callum Sim (who plays Andrew Aguecheek), Liz Jadav (who plays Maria), Peter Watts (who plays Duke Orsino) and Sha Dessi (who plays Feste) and the mischievous antics they get up to with Malvolio. Sha Dessi also has such an amazing singing voice and she was a natural on stage.
I loved how Sound Engineer Hattie North and Lighting Design Barry Smith created the various scenes in the show through light and sound, from flashing lights to dark scenes only lighted by lanterns to the sound of crashing waves.
The shipwreck scene was my favourite scene and I felt that I was magically transported to that exact moment. Movement Director Amy Lawrence also effortlessly created scene change.
I headed to the theatre with my daughter as I knew a play such as this would inspire her to connect directly with what the characters say and how they behave on stage and help her with her English Literature GCSE. She especially loved the band (comprised of Lucinda Freeburn, Sam Lightfoot-Loftus and Loris Scarpa) who not only entertained the audience with traditional folk songs, composed by Music Director Stephen Hyde, but they were also part of the cast in some scenes.
We left the play with full hearts and a spring to our step with the words ‘Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and others have greatness thrust upon them’.
I urge you to head to Stafford Gatehouse to be mesmerised and be taken on a dreamy journey of laughter, sadness and joy with a stellar cast and an amazing stage set-up.
Cast
Natalie Anderson – Olivia
Molly Windsor – Viola
Seann Walsh – Malvolio
Andre Bullock – Antonio
Benedict Landsbert-Noon – Sebastian
Callum Sim – Andrew Aguecheek
Liz Jadav – Maria
Bob Golding – Sir Toby Belch
Peter Watts – Duke Orsino
Sha Dessi – Feste
Loris Scarpa – Valentine/Understudy
Band
Lucinda Freeburn – Band/Understudy
Sam Lightfoot-Loftus – Sea Captain/Band/Understudy
Loris Scarpa – Band
(London-based folk band The Evolution of Fishermen, will be providing originally-composed folk music throughout the show)
Creatives
Director Sean Turner
Producer Mike Groves
Sound Engineer Hattie North
Set and Costume Designer Alfie Heywood
Lighting Design Barry Smith
Musical Director Stephen Hyde
Movement Director Amy Lawrence
How much do the tickets cost?
Tickets are priced from £24-£32 (concessions and group discount available).
How do I book tickets to watch TWELFTH NIGHT: A Cornish Tale at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre?
Tickets can be booked by calling the box office on 01785 619080 or by visiting their website here.
How long is the show for and what are the timings?
The show will run until Sunday, 7 July 2024. The evening shows will run at 7.30pm while the matinee shows will be shown at 2.30pm on 22 June, 29 June and 6 July. There will also be a matinee show at 1.30pm on Sun, 7 July 2024.
Where is Stafford Gatehouse Theatre?
Stafford Gatehouse is an old Victorian theatre for professional and amateur shows, including Shakespeare and children’s plays. In 2007, the Borough Hall was reopened as Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, by his Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester. The Borough Hall was originally opened on 20 June 1877 and the building once housed Stafford Borough Council.
Stafford Gatehouse Theatre
Eastgate Street
Stafford
ST16 2LT
Tel: 01785 619080
Where to park?
Stafford Gatehouse Theatre is in the heart of Stafford, just seconds from the main shopping centre and central tourist attractions. It is less than 10 minutes drive from Junctions 13 and 14 of the M6 and can be found by following the theatre mask symbols on routes into the town centre. There are ample parking facilities a short walk away from the theatre and cycle racks are available outside the building.
You may want to read this:
Review: A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre
Review: Stafford Gatehouse’s Open-Air Performance of ROMEO + JULIET
Review: Cinderella at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre
Photo credit: Stafford Gatehouse Theatre
* We were provided with press tickets in exchange for a review. All opinions are our own.
22 comments
This sounds like such an amazing theatre experience, the photos look amazing and give a great taster of what to expect. I really would love to see this production
Yes some lovely photos there, hope you get to see it live
Sounds like a really nice show! I love seeing the live theatre productions…you always have great shows to share!
Thank you, we are so lucky to have so many good theatre locally
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a Shakespeare show at the theatre before. I didn’t study twelfth night at school or know much about it but it seems like a good play x
It does not matter that you don’t know much about they play as they have done the interpretation so well
That is so so cool! I love going to theaters and would go every weekend if I could…I’ve never seen a Shakespeare play before, I bet the experience of seeing one in person would be unforgettable.
Yes it certainly was, we had a great night
I love a play that makes my heart happy, and this sounds like one that will do that. There’s an energy in these shots that I’m attracted to, as well.
Absolutely, the photographer captured each moment so wonderfully as well
This sounds like a great musical! I love the premise of the story, and the cast of characters seems delightfully quirky.
They absolutely are and that what makes the show a must-watch this season
This blog post provides a captivating glimpse into the production of “Twelfth Night,” set in a beautifully crafted Cornwall fishing village. The mention of The Evolution of Fishermen’s folk melodies sets the scene perfectly. Alfie Heywood’s impressive set design, featuring recycled materials from local beaches, highlights a commendable partnership with Keep Britain Tidy’s Ocean Recovery Project. This innovative approach not only enhances the visual experience but also promotes environmental sustainability, making the play a memorable and meaningful experience.
It certainly was and you have explained it so well in your comment there
Your detailed descriptions and enthusiasm really brought the experience to life for me. As a mom, I love finding cultural events to enjoy with my family, and this sounds like a perfect outing. We’ll definitely be planning a visit soon!
So glad to hear, a great play to watch with kids if they are doing their GCSE soon
It is very neat that they used recycled material from the beach – what a cool idea! Sounds like a fantastic performance too.
Absolutely! Enjoyed looking at the stage set-up, so well done as well
Seeing a Shakespeare play is something on my bucket list! Sounds like you guys had a great time and wonderful theater experience! – Great photos!!
Yes we did indeed, such a fabulous live show to experience
Chorus Line looks like an amazing show. thank you for sharing your experience with us.
You are welcome, I had a fabulous time at the show