Twelfth Night

William Shakespeare

See dates and times   –

If music be the food of love, play on…

A comedy of love triangles, feuds and mischievous pranks.

Shipwrecked twins wash up in an unfamiliar land far from each other. Setting off on their new, very different lives, they’re quickly drawn into a world where nobles become servants and friends become lovers.

Interpreting Shakespeare’s story through a queer lens by exploring Cesario’s journey, for the first time as a trans character – our uplifting new production celebrates the beauty in being unapologetically ourselves.

Shakespeare’s greatest comedy is shaken up in this fun, debauchery-filled show.


Theatr Clwyd

0 Stars

This play offers us a unique opportunity to explore love in all its forms - messy, joyful, complicated, and deeply human. This dynamic new version explores the play through an LGBTQIA+ lens, it is celebratory and we know everyone will see part of themselves on stage.
Kate Wasserberg | Artistic Director

FAQs

Do I need to know Shakespeare first?

Not at all. The story is clear, funny, emotional, and welcoming for new audiences.

What's the story?

***Contains Spoilers***

A shipwreck separates noble twins Cesario and Sebastian. Cesario finds himself washed up alone in the land of Illyria.

With aid from fool Feste, Cesario decides to serve Duke Orsino. Consumed by his love for noblewoman Olivia, Duke Orsino sends Cesario to woo her on his behalf. However Olivia falls for Cesario instead.

Olivia’s household is full of mischief. Her aunt Lady Toby Belch spends her nights drinking with the foolish Sir Andrew Aguecheek. Together with Olivia’s gentlewoman Maria they play a cruel trick on Olivia’s pompous steward Malvolio, convincing him that Olivia is in love with him.

Caught between Olivia’s love for them and his relationship with Orsino, Cesario must navigate his own feelings and figure out his place in Illyria.

Unbeknownst to Cesario, Sebastian was rescued by sea captain Antonio. When Sebastian arrives to Illyria the twins are mistaken for each other leading to utter confusion.

When the twins are finally reunited all misunderstandings are untangled. In the presence of Sebastian Cesario is ready to declare his love for Olivia and embrace his true self.

Is it still Shakespeare’s text?

Yes. The language remains close to the original, with selected edits to support this interpretation.

Is the show a comedy or a drama?

Both. Expect laughter, romance, chaos, and moments of real emotional depth

What themes does the production explore?

Love, identity, transformation, belonging, and the joy of living truthfully.

Why stage this version now?

We want to connect a classic play to urgent contemporary conversations about visibility and acceptance.

What does the word ‘queer’ mean?

Some people use ‘queer’ to describe their sexuality, and it signals being outside of a cisgender and heteronormative norm. The term was historically used as a slur, and is still viewed as such by some LGBTQIA+ people. However, others have reclaimed it and now embrace self-identifying as queer. We’ve chosen to use this term because our show encompasses a broad spectrum of the sexual orientations and gender identities found in the LGBTQIA+ community.

How can I learn more?

If you’re interested to learn more then click here to see a list of LGBTQIA+ terms and definitions from Stonewall.

Gallery

    • View Gallery

Cast & Creatives

Choose Dates and Book

You might also like