Twelfth Night at Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester Review
Written by Siobhan for Theatre and Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review. All views are our own
As with any Shakespearean play, Twelfth Night has been reimagined countless times across stage and screen. Whether experienced in its original form or through modern adaptations such as She's the Man, it would be easy to assume that every possible interpretation of this beloved comedy has already been explored. HER Productions proves otherwise, offering a vibrant and inventive new take on the classic as part of its Unseemly Shakespeare series.
From the moment the audience enters, we are transported to a lively seaside town filled with bright lights, glitter, and gloriously tacky souvenir shops. It's a setting that evokes nostalgic childhood day trips—Blackpool beach immediately came to mind for me. This familiar backdrop not only grounds the production in a recognisable world but also gives the characters the freedom to explore Shakespeare's timeless text through a thoroughly modern lens.
The contemporary setting extends beyond the set design into the soundtrack. The audience is immediately immersed in an energetic burst of early-2000s rave culture, with a carefully curated playlist that perfectly complements the production's aesthetic. It's a smart choice that appeals to younger audiences while reinforcing the idea that these centuries-old characters still speak to modern experiences. Rather than distancing Shakespeare from contemporary audiences, the production makes his work feel immediate and accessible.
The cast is uniformly strong, and even those unfamiliar with Twelfth Night should have little trouble following the story thanks to the company's clear understanding of the text and confident storytelling. There are moments, however, where modern slang and profanity are woven into Shakespeare's language. While the intention is clearly to modernise the script, these additions occasionally feel unnecessary. The cast already delivers the comedy with confidence and precision through Shakespeare's words alone, making the inserted swearing feel like an easy laugh that slightly undermines the strength of the performances.
There are standout performances throughout the production. Hannah Ellis-Ryan delivers Viola's "I left no ring with her" monologue with sincerity and emotional clarity, reminding us of the vulnerability beneath the comedy. Frankie Gold brings warmth and humour to Malvolio, creating a character whose humiliation is both entertaining and surprisingly sympathetic.
The evening's standout performance, however, comes from Beth Vyce as Sir Toby Belch. Through exceptional vocal work, physicality, and fearless characterisation, Vyce transforms what can often be a forgettable supporting role into one of the production's greatest delights. Every entrance commands attention, and their performance is consistently magnetic. It is worth seeing the production for this performance alone.
The ensemble work is equally commendable, maintaining excellent pacing and seamless transitions throughout. Although a handful of movement sequences occasionally fall slightly out of sync, these moments are fleeting and do little to detract from the overall quality of the company's collaborative performance.
Twelfth Night is a play that continues to endure because its themes of love, identity, and mistaken perception remain universally relatable. HER Productions has crafted an adaptation that honours Shakespeare while embracing a fresh, contemporary perspective. The result is a production that will delight seasoned theatre-goers while offering an inviting and accessible introduction for audiences discovering Shakespeare for the first time.
HER productions’ staging of Twelfth Night continues at the Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester, until 5 July 2026.
★★★★
