Twelfth Night

Wonderful experience last night as we saw Twelfth Night performed in the open air in Queen's Square, Bristol by a small, all-male cast, The Lord Chamberlain's Men. This is as close as I've got to experiencing Shakespeare the way his original audiences might have enjoyed it. Men played female roles and up to three parts each. Many quick changes of costume were required.

Perhaps four centuries ago uninvolved, drunken passers-by would still have yelled to distract. Seagulls might also have swooped overhead. Drum and bass powered vehicles would probably not have figured in the off-putting list.

But this cross-dressing comedy was hilarious afresh as a man, dressed as a woman pretending to be a man, was wooed by a woman dressed as a man, no wait, a man dressed as a woman, see even I'm confused.

Even the rain held off for three hours although it was a bit parky for July. And what a joy to sit with wine in hand whilst watching.

Many thanks to all those who have applauded my ability to successfully spell Twelfth only once in the first draft of this post.