MEDIA RELEASE - TWELFTH NIGHT
This summer Essential Theatre proudly presents Shakespeare’s delightful comedy - Twelfth Night. This production will tour Australian vineyards and gardens throughout the summer of 2018and
commence with a preview performance at The Batesford Hotel.
WhenFriday December 29th 2017
WhereThe Batesford Hotel, 700 Ballarat Road, Batesford
Time5pm gates open – BYO deck chair
6pm performance running time of 2 hrs (includes interval)
8pm rotisserie dinner served (optional)
Bookings
Price$25 for the performance / $55 for performance & meal
“If music be the food of love, play on”
Essential Theatre Co Artistic Director Amanda LaBonte returns to direct this laugh out loud comedy, one of her favourites in the canon. Amanda has a wealth of experience performing Shakespeare, and brings a fresh eye to this hilarious yet heartbreaking tale of unrequited love. We also welcome back designer, Amaya Vecellio, to weave her magic on our costumes and bring the world of Ilyria to life.
The Company
Essential Theatre Artistic Directors Amanda LaBonte and Sophie Lampel are very proud to be celebrating their16th summer of Shakespeare in the Vines, a tour of Shakespeare's classics to some of Australia’s most spectacular wineries and gardens. This program has grown from strength to strength ensuring the longevity of this ambitious and entrepreneurial Victorian theatre company. These passionate theatre makers re-interpret the classic texts for modern audiences delivering vibrant and engaging productions. Whether you’re new to the work of Essential Theatre or a regular audience member you are guaranteed a night to remember.
The Tale
The cast of 8 professional actors will take you on a joyful ride, as the grounds of the Batesford Hotel are transformed into the magical land of Illyria.
After a raging shipwreck, Viola finds herself washed ashore, separated by her twin brother, Sebastian, and alone on the beach of Illyria. This town is familiar, but somewhat strange - a dreamland where music is the food of love, and nobody is quite what they seem.
To survive, Viola immerses herself into this new land. She discovers a melancholic Duke, a pair of jovial drunkards, a sullen servant and cross-dressing lovers. Mischief ensues - hearts are tangled, pranks are played, and poor Viola finds herself right in the middle of a love triangle!
Shakespeare beautifully balances the anguish of unrequited love, and the high spirit of clever comedy in this hilarious tale, Twelfth Night .
Recent Reviews
“high energy, tight ensemble, dynamic … don’t miss this”
** * * * 5 stars, Richard Flynn, Adelaide Theatre Guide