Twelfth Night

Michael Grandage's production enjoys mocking those in love, in particular Mark Bonnar's Orsino, who is in so deep he can hardly drag himself out of bed, let alone get dressed. The mellow mood is enhanced by Christopher Oram's designs in which calm seas follow the deluge. In fetching beach attire, Olivia stretches out on her towel and begs Viola to join her. As Olivia's steward, Derek Jacobi is an imposing joy. He's magnificently austere to begin with, but later becomes as disinhibited as a teetotaller sipping on sherry at a Christmas party. The only sour note comes from Toby Belch who, in a production that is vague as to period, roots it at least in a time of considerable class.