The Bench Production
This play was staged at Havant Arts Centre, East Street Havant - Bench Theatre's home since 1977.
Cast
| Orsino | Rod James |
| Sir Toby Belch | David Penrose |
| Sir Andrew Aguecheek | Anthony Elliott |
| Feste | David Brown |
| Malvolio | John Scadding |
| Sea Captain | Tony Adams |
| Servant | Tony Adams |
| Sebastian | Roger Thurling |
| Fabian | Brian Sweatman |
| Priest | Derek Cusdin |
| Valentine | Keith Woodason |
| Second Officer | Keith Woodason |
| Cario | Paul Morris |
| First Officer | Paul Morris |
| Viola | Jill Sawyer |
| Olivia | Suzie Gibbs |
| Marcia | Robbie Cattermole |
| Musician | John Davies |
| Attendant Lord | John Hampson |
| Antonio | Ray Osborne |
Crew
| Director | Jacquie Penrose |
| Stage Manager | Jim Charlton |
| Lighting | Terry Cattermole Fred Jeffries |
| Costumes | Linda James |
| Poster Design | Chris Shaw |
| Publicity | Tony Czapp |
Director's Notes
It is said that the modern Yugoslavia is the equivalent of Shakespeare's Illyria. However, there seems to be little about the place that bears any relation to a real country. It is more akin to a fairy land, or even a looking-glass world, where the topsy-turviness of Twelfth Night - traditionally a night of misrule - is entirely suitable. The play is subtitled 'What you will'; it is also a play about fools, about love, about the folly of love and the love of folly.
Jacquie Penrose
Reviews
The News F.N.
'Twelfth Night' seventh heaven
Audiences at amateur dramatic productions are often impressed by the company's ability to make so much from so little. As the Bench Theatre is not a group with greatness thrust upon it, the latest production, 'Twelfth Night', which opened last night at Havant Arts Centre, worked hard to provide a clever and bright performance. With a nearly bare set and few props, the cast files the small theatre with vitality and energy. The actors, who first appeared in a dark tableau against the background of a quick pace without skimming over dialogue. Shakespeare's 'Twelfth Night' centres around a love triangle in which the pivotal character is a young woman who masquerades as a man.
The character is handled with modest expertise by Jill Sawyer as Viola, who hides her love for Orsino (Rod James) behind a lad's clothing. David Penrose and Anthony Elliott has a field day with the roguish knights, Sir Toby Belch and Sir Andrew Aguecheek. Aided and abetted by Robbie Cattermole (Maria) and Brian Sweatman (Fabian), they weave a cruel plot to embarrass the pompous Malvolio. John Scadding kept a disciplined rein on his role as Malvolio. He made the most of the hilarious character while keeping him constantly pompous and aloof throughout the play. Susie Gibbs, Roger Thurling, and Ray Osborne gave strong straight performances which picked up the dramatic aspect with which all Shakespearian comedies are balanced.
Linda James' costume work provided an effective garb which avoided clashing with the minimal background and set. The production was polished, tasteful and made for an enjoyable evening. Unfortunately, the promised production of Chekhov's 'Three Sisters', which was originally scheduled for March has had to be postponed. However the Bench has promised another production will fill the gap. The Arts Centre has given the Bench Players an excellent venue to present talented amateur dramatics to a sizable audience. Publicity director Mr Tony Czapp said audiences have reached the 500 mark in the theatre. But if high quality productions such as 'Twelfth Night' continue to be presented, the tiny East Street playhouse will become a bit cramped. Performances of 'Twelfth Night' continue tonight, tomorrow and next Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The play begins at 7.30 p.m.
The News, 7th December 1979
