On the 14th of October, Year 11 visited the Globe Theatre to watch Shakespeare’s ‘Twelfth Night’, which we have been studying this term in English.

‘Twelfth Night’, first performed in 1602, is one of Shakespeare’s most musical plays, which was prominently conveyed in this production, with many musical interludes and moments when the whole audience was clapping along to their songs! As Shakespeare said, ‘If music be the food of love, play on!’

It was amazing to be able to see this play performed at the Globe. The setting made the whole experience feel more immersive and engaging. We were able to see the words we’ve been analysing in our English lessons come to life in a theatre built to reflect Shakespeare’s own.

The production had many highlights, the main one being the comical drunken duo of Sir Toby Belch and Sir Andrew Aguecheek. With Sir Andrew dressed in an immaculate pink suit throughout, the pair captured the audience’s attention with their jovial dancing and drinking- a common theme in the play!

One of the funnier, although ultimately quite harsh, subplots is Malvolio’s pursuit of Olivia, filled with mysterious letters, yellow cross gartered unitards and painfully forced smiles. We heartily enjoyed the comedy involved, but all felt uncomfortable when Malvolio was imprisoned in the dark recess of the stage and drenched in blood. Of course the climax of the play was seeing twins Viola and Sebastian reunited, after both thinking the other had died. This tender and sweet moment was the perfect end to a wonderful performance."

Written by Lucy, Year 11