‘Twelfth Night’ gets a modern musical makeover at London’s Young Vic Theatre – review
"Colourful, exuberant, joyous."
By Will Stroude
Words: Matthew Hyde
Newly-appointed artistic director of the Young Vic Kwame Kwei-Armah said he wanted his first production to be a ‘political statement’ of ‘laughter and joy’. And indeed it is.
Set in Notting Hill in the days leading up to the carnival it has to be one of the most colourful, exuberant and joyous productions playing at the moment.
This is Twelfth Night as a modern day musical paying tribute to pop, jazz and R&B and supported by a huge community choir made up of residents from the Waterloo area.
The Young Vic’s message is clear – come one, come all, our doors are open under a new era and let’s celebrate our culture and diversity through joy, laughter and song.
The story is still there however much of the verse has been replaced with the music and lyrics of Shaina Taub. The usual darker elements of melancholy, grief and cruelty are no more.
This is an evening dedicated to celebration and fun and herein lies the political statement as our country enters a massive state of uncertainty and insecurity.
There is great work from Gabrielle Brooks as Viola with a soaring voice which moves effortlessly between the various styles. Natalie Dew is wonderful as Olivia and Martyn Ellis as Sir Toby Belch consistently makes us chuckle with his vulgarity.
The star of the show however is Gerard Carey as Malvolio in what is a brilliant performance: His sense of comedy and the absurd is an absolute highlight and his solo numbers are enough to stop the show.
Whether he is riding around on his Segway, manically tap dancing or cavorting around in his yellow stockings he leaves us creased with laughter.
The community members add a unique aspect and like the show itself will no doubt settle into the run. Once again the new artistic director makes a bold statement – the theatre is for everyone.
Anyone is welcome to stand on stage and contribute to a story in order to entertain, and this message couldn’t be more welcome.
Rating: 4/5
Twelfth Night plays at London’s Young Vic until 17 November.