Shakespeare in the Gardens is returning to Hobart’s Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens this summer with a production of Twelfth Night (or What You Will).
Directed by award-winner Roger Hodgman AM through John X Presents, the production opens today.
Twelfth Night features mistaken identities, misunderstandings, physical comedy and a wedding, guaranteeing a night of laughter and entertainment.
The play follows twins Viola and Sebastian, who are separated in a shipwreck and believe the other to have drowned.
Viola disguises herself as a page named Cesario and becomes a servant to the Duke Orsino, who sends her to woo the Countess Olivia on his behalf.
However, the Countess falls in love with Cesario, while Olivia’s uncle, Sir Toby Belch, gets drunk with his friend Sir Andrew Aguecheek and plays a trick on Malvolio, Olivia’s steward.
The arrival of Sebastian eventually leads to even more confusion, chaos and comedy.
A talented cast of local actors brings the story to life, including Kate Choraziak, Petrie Porter, Will Norris, Andrew Casey and Gabrielle Adkins.
Director Hodgman said Twelfth Night is the perfect Shakespeare play for a summer evening in the gardens, encouraging people to bring a picnic, a blanket and a friend.
Performances are scheduled from Wednesday to Saturday at 7:30pm.
Tickets are available now through the Theatre Royal website.
