‘A brilliant romcom’ – Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night with a 60s twist
Twelfth Night is considered by many to be Shakespeare’s best comedy. Sue Sachon, director of the forthcoming production at Leighton Buzzard Library Theatre (July 3rd, 4th and 5th) says that it ‘effortlessly mixes delicious comedy with moments of sadness, as all the best romcoms do - think of Love Actually’.
So why the 60’s? ‘Despite its title, Twelfth Nightseems to be set in early summer, so in keeping with its theme of holiday excess, we chose to transport the play to our own, early 1960s ‘Illyria’: a sun-soaked island shore where the unforgettable music of the ‘50s wraps the story in its own mood of Hollywood romance.’
So of course that means some aspects need to change – for example the comedy fight scene pictured between the idiotic Sir Andrew Aguecheek and Viola/Cesario is not with swords but with boxing gloves!
Sue, a noted academic and author on all things Shakespeare, previously directed for Leighton Buzzard Drama Group in the 2023 production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. This was described by NODA (National Operatic and Dramatic Association) as ‘a topflight production of the Bard's work, from the initial concept of setting it in the 40's, the very tight directing, to the breathtaking set design, to the delivery with a lot of emphasis on this being first and foremost a comedy. There were several places where the audience broke out into spontaneous clapping, which I think is unique to my watching a Shakespearean play. A thoroughly entertaining show all round’. Sue Sachon andLeighton Buzzard Drama Group are working hard to reach the same performance standard with Twelfth Night.
Tickets for Thursday are £17 (Concessions £15), for Friday and Saturday £18 (Concessions £16),
plus £1.25 booking fee.
Buy your tickets online via www.lbdg.org.uk or the Library Theatre website. The Theatre Box Office is also available for in person ticket purchases from 10am to midday on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Visit or call 0300 300 8125 during these hours.