TWELFTH NIGHT
Directed by Jennifer Sarah Dean
6 — 22 DEC 2024
Approx. 90 minutes
St Kilda Botanical Gardens
Don’t miss this magical celebration of storytelling and song with our brand new musical adaptation of Shakespeare’s best loved comedy Twelfth Night. Set against the lush backdrop of the Rose Garden in the St Kilda Botanical Gardens, this fast-paced and engaging 90 minute performance promises laughter, love, and toe-tapping tunes from start to finish.
Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night follows Viola, who washes ashore in ‘Straya and disguises herself as a man—only to spark a whirlwind of romantic chaos. With mischievous schemes, wacky characters, and plenty of heart, Twelfth Night is a delightful comedy where love conquers all (eventually)!
Perfect for families, school groups (Twelfth Night will be on the VCE Syllabus for next year) and theatre lovers alike, pack a picnic, and join us in the Rose Garden this December.
Directors Note
Jennifer Sarah Dean on Twelfth Night
Welcome to Twelfth Night, a production close to my heart and one that celebrates the joy of storytelling in its purest form. This vibrant comedy is a feast of mistaken identities, love in all its messy glory, and delightful chaos—all wrapped up in Shakespeare’s exquisite language.
For this adaptation, we’ve embraced a contemporary musical twist, creating a Twelfth Night that remains true to the heart of the original while making it accessible and exciting for modern audiences. At its core, this story is about connection, self-discovery, and the beautiful unpredictability of life—universal themes that resonate as much today as they did in Shakespeare’s time.
Our 90-minute, family-friendly version is designed to delight audiences of all ages. Through a mix of toe-tapping music, colourful characters, and high-energy performances, we aim to capture the magic of straya and bring this timeless tale to life in a way that feels fresh, inclusive, and utterly joyous.
Thank you for joining us on this adventure. Whether this is your first encounter with Twelfth Night or your fiftieth, I hope you leave with a smile on your face, a song in your heart, and a reminder of the joy that comes from embracing life’s unpredictability.
Enjoy the show!
Jennifer Sarah Dean
Twelfth Night CAST
Lucy May Knight
Officer Curio
Joshua Gordon
Feste / Dance Captain
Sonya Suares
Maria
Billy Thomas
Sebastian
Karlis Zaid
Sir Toby
Stephanie Astrid John
Viola
Claire Warrillow
Olivia
Laura Iris Hill
Malvolio
Teresa Giansiracusa
Fabian
Emma Austin
Captain Valentine
Maxwell Simon
Orsino
Jacqueline Whiting
Antonio
Sebastian Li
Sir Andrew
Twelfth Night TEAM
Jennifer Sarah Dean
Director
Ishan Vivekanantham
Set Designer
Michael Mack
Producer
Seamus Allan
Stage Manager
David Youings
Musical Director
Isla Hickey
Marketing Coordinator
Callum Marshall
Choreographer
Cortnee Jarvis
Costume Designer