The Duke's Theatre: Twelfth Night by Shakespeare

Whether you’re an audience member in 2023 or back in 1602, you could be forgiven for thinking that Twelfth Night was going to be the darkest of tragedies: what could be more nightmarish than to lose your twin sibling in a furious storm at sea and to think they'd died?

In fact, a romantic comedy unfolds with a madcap farce at its heart. The broadest of broad humour (poor Malvolio tricked into absurdity) mixes with moments of unbearable pathos (listen out for Sir Anthony Aguecheek's wistful "I was adored once too".).

We don't want to give any more away, even though we're so excited to be presenting our new  production of Twelfth Night that we want to tell you everything. We won't though: suffice to say it all works out in the end, in a way that only Shakespeare would carry off.

What can you expect from a Duke's Theatre Company performance? The full text in all its glory; innovative production design to support the unparalleled energy of our wonderful cast; original music so that Shakespeare's songs are heard in a whole new way - and all we ask is that you come prepared for a wonderful time.

Twelfth Night was first performed in 1602.  Four hundred and twenty-one years on, we're proud and privileged to bring this extraordinary play to you.

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about the Open-Air Theatre Festival:

Tickets:

• Tickets are available online or via the box office 01805 624624. 5% booking fee applies across all payment methods.
• Tickets are also available on the gate (card or cash). 5% booking fee applies.
• People with access needs are welcome to a free ticket for their carer/assistant. Please call the box office on 01805 624624
• Every 11th ticket is free for group bookings. Available via the box office on 01805 624624
• Ticket holders enjoy free access to the gardens two hours before 6.30pm/7pm performances and one hour before earlier performances. (Or earlier for pre-show drama workshop ticket holders)
• Most performances last approx 2 hours with a 20 minute interval
• Minimum ages are advisory only. Please use your discretion.

Seating:

• No seating is provided. Please bring low-back seating and/or blankets,
• An area for people on blankets is reserved at the front.  
• If you wish to be socially distanced please sit towards the rear or sides of the audience area
• Performances start at the stated time so please arrive in good time to take your seats

Dogs:

• Well behaved dogs are welcome. No barking!

(RHS Garden Rosemoor, Castle Drogo (NT): Assistance dogs only.)

Refreshments:

• Please support the high quality onsite catering/bar facilities that are available at most venues. Check with individual venue websites for more details re catering and access.
• Hartland Abbey: Teas/Coffees and High Quality Barbecue
• Castle Hill Filleigh: Tea/coffee sandwiches & cakes etc from the kiosk at the entrance
• Tapeley Park: Hot & cold food and bar                                            
• Arlington Court (NT): Hot & cold food and bar                   
• Clovelly Court Park: Self service soft drinks/tea/coffee available from the Gardener’s Hut which is 200m from the performance area.                       
• Blackberry Farm Milton Damerel: Hot & cold food and bar
• RHS Garden Rosemoor Hot & cold food, bar, ice creams and picnic bags                
• Castle Hill Gardens, Torrington: Snacks and drinks.                                                            
• The Lodge, Eggesford: Bar and Barbecue    
• Castle Drogo (NT): Please bring your own picnics/drinks   
• Lapford Mill, Crediton: Hot & cold food and bar (located on 1st floor of the mill)                 
• Reforge Retreat Black Torrington: Snacks and bar

Weather:

• Performances continue regardless of the weather. Be prepared.
• There are no indoor alternatives in case of bad weather.
• In the event of electrical storm, tickets will be exchanged for another date.
• The following may be useful: A torch, insect repellent, an umbrella (or sunshade!)

Access:

• Most venues have level access, adjacent parking and accessible toilet facilities. For specific access information please call the box office on 01805 624624 or contact the individual venue via their website.
• Lapford Mill and Clovelly Court currently have limited toilet facilities. The toilet at Lapford Mill is on the second floor of the mill. The toilet at Clovelly Court is 200m from the performance area.

Other Info:

• Please bring cash for a cash raffle to support The Plough Arts Centre which is a Registered Charity. £1 per ticket. One winner takes half the proceeds!