Twelfth Night is one of Shakespeare’s most imaginative plays – full of intrigue, crossed wires and sexual tension. 

Unfortunately, ACT’s production at the Old Market conspired to neutralise the chemistry and dynamics between the characters and take the edge off story line.

There were some strong performances. Emma Howarth was fluent as Viola and Chris Gates put on a brave performance as the foolish Malvolio with some fine comic touches. E

lijah Braik as a larger than life Toby Belch and Jim Truscott as the fool Feste had their moments.

The play is all about a brother and sister losing each other in a ship wreck and each believing the other has died.

Viola disguises herself as a man and is engaged as a manservant to a nobleman, Orsino with whom she falls in love. Orsino orders Viola to press his suit with Countess Olivia who promptly falls in love with the messenger.

The story reaches a triumphant conclusion when Orsino discovers Viola’s true identity and realises he loves her and Countess Olivia is united with Viola’s lost brother, Sebastian.

Overall the performance lacked cohesion and much of the romance of the story was lost in translation. Disappointing.