Meet Malvolio, perhaps in a way you might not have imagined. Twelfth Night’s fool Feste provides the anchor for this acclaimed production. His phrase “…and thus the whirligig of time brings in his revenges” as Malvolio is duped and humiliated is then adopted by the once cross-gartered secretary.
Here, as we discover the revenge seeking Malvolio, we learn of his upbringing and difficult relationships with his peers. Richard Curnow’s gripping portrayal of the older, reflective Malvolio is beautifully nuanced. The audience has both sympathy and revulsion for Malvolio. But we come away thinking that one of Shakespeare’s most well known (and loved?) characters has been thoroughly portrayed. Next time I see Twelfth Night, I might just hold back on joining in the mockery…
Rightly given five star reviews on so many occasions, this has been one of my favourite Fringe productions.
David Wadmore
Fringe TheatreFest views 