Shakespeare’s comedy spirit returns to the gardens

One of Shakespeare’s most popular works has once again made its way onto the lawns of the Royal Hobart Botanical Gardens.

Directed by Roger Hodgman, Twelfth Night (or What You Will) is currently running at the gardens from Wednesday to Saturday until 1 February and features all the hallmarks of a Shakespeare comedy including mistaken identities, misunderstandings, physical comedy and a wedding.

Originally three hours long, this version takes on a modern, two-hour interpretation of the source material.

Twelfth Night (or What You Will) follows twins Viola and Sebastian who are separated from each other in a shipwreck, both believing the other to be drowned.

Viola disguises herself as a page called Cesario and becomes a servant to the Duke Orsino.

He sends her to woo the Countess Olivia on his behalf, but the Countess falls in love with Cesario.

Meanwhile Olivia’s uncle, Sir Toby Belch, gets drunk with his friend Sir Andrew Aguecheek and they play a trick on Malvolio, Olivia’s steward.

Eventually Sebastian turns up and causes even more confusion, chaos and comedy.

The production features a talented Tasmanian cast of local actors including Kate Choraziak, Petrie Porter, Will Norris, Andrew Casey, Gabrielle Adkins and many more.