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
If you saw our production of Hamlet in September, you’re in for something completely different with Twelfth Night. This production is fast-paced, unapologetically fun, and brimming with music and mischief!
As a company, we’re passionate about making Shakespeare accessible to all. There’s no single “right” way to perform his works, and we aim to showcase a broad spectrum of styles. Whether you love the depth of a full-length, language-driven interpretation or are looking for a lighthearted park performance, we strive to create something for everyone.
Twelfth Night features on the school syllabus for 2025, which heavily influenced our approach. As a teenager (and a dyslexic one), I found Shakespeare intimidating in the classroom. That memory inspired me to craft a production that students can connect with—engaging, lively, and impossible to forget.
At its heart, Twelfth Night is pure storytelling—a celebration of mistaken identities, love in all its glorious chaos, and life’s delightful unpredictability. Our contemporary musical adaptation honors the essence of the original while bringing it vibrantly into the present.
This 90-minute, family-friendly rendition is designed to entertain audiences of all ages. With lively music, bold performances, and a sprinkle of Australian flair, we aim to make Shakespeare’s magic accessible and unforgettable.
Thank you for joining us on this journey. Whether it’s your first Twelfth Night or your fiftieth, I hope you leave with laughter in your heart, a song in your head, and a renewed appreciation for the joy of embracing life’s surprises.
Enjoy the show!
Jennifer Sarah Dean
