Twelfth Night, Tabard Theatre

The hallmarks of this excellent production of one of Shakespeare's greatest comedies are its enjoyability and simplicity.

An almost bare stage, with the sole prop a grand piano, which serves a variety of uses throughout the play, gives the twelve strong cast ample room and a surprising feeling of spaciousness, which their uniform black and white costumes emphasise.

The enjoyability comes from the universal high quality of the verse reading as the well known quotations come "trippingly off the tongue" which ensures the clarity of the rather complicated plot.

The obvious team spirit and great ability of the cast make me doubt whether they would relish the singling out of one member for special praise, but for me the the amount of sympathy I feel for the much put-upon Malvolio is my yardstick and here the despair of the yellow-breeched and cross gartered Daniel Millar was most moving in his unlit prison.

Altogether an entertaining evening and a valuable addition to the understanding and appreciation of our greatest playwright.

Richard Langton