The Armidale Drama and Musical Society (ADMS) is back this July with a vibrant new production of Twelfth Night, Shakespeare’s classic romantic comedy of mistaken identities, music, love and laughter.
Opening at the TAS Hoskins Centre on Thursday 4 July and running until Friday 12 July, the show promises a fun and unconventional take on the beloved play, with a special black-tie Gala Opening Night in support of The Armidale Playhouse.
Directed by Nick Troon and assistant Jess Waters, the production features a talented cast and crew, many of whom are working with ADMS for the first time.
“I have the joy of working on this project alongside one of my good friends Jess Waters as the Assistant Director,” said Troon.
“Wherever I’ve found myself getting stuck in the intricate details of the show, Jess comes in with a fresh perspective, maintaining a general energy of fun across the production.
“It’s very much a yin-yang partnership and I’ve found that our directing styles balance each other out quite well.”
The production features Dominick O’Shea as Duke Orsino, Amy Showell as Viola, Melissa Hawthorne as Olivia, Nikolai Tursan D’Espaignet as Sebastian, and Jay Samuelson as Antonio, among a strong local cast.
Troon said rehearsals have been filled with laughter and creativity, with every cast and crew member encouraged to bring bold ideas to the table.
“There have been plenty of laughs and cheers as every member of the cast and crew bring their creativity to the show,” he said.
“A big focus for me has been ensuring everyone understands what’s needed of them so they can feel free to explore within their area of expertise.”
That exploration extends to every department. An original score by Kees Grenyer, a detailed and innovative set by Nathan Mark, fashion-forward costumes from Kate Frazier, and brilliant props and set dressing by Geneva Stocker have helped shape a production that’s visually rich and full of personality.
“For a lot of our cast and crew this is their first time either in this specific role or working with ADMS,” said Nick. “There’s been a lot of fresh ideas coming into the space.”
Choosing Twelfth Night was a personal decision for Troon, rooted in a love of Shakespeare sparked by early performances with the Felt Tip Theatre Company led by UNE Alumni Alex Robson.
“Robson showed me that Shakespeare didn’t need to be a form of high art but rather that it was made with the intent of reaching all audiences,” he said.
“From stirring soliloquies to crude humour and slapstick comedy, it has something for everyone.”
After performing in Twelfth Night in 2017 and revisiting it in various formats, Troon was drawn back to the play for this full-scale production. He credits the National Theatre’s 2017 version, viewed online during COVID lockdowns, as a major influence.
“That particular production served as a massive influence for this show, especially in its approach towards music as a juxtapositional device, storytelling through set design, and a meditated approach to themes of gender and sexuality within the show.”
And while the source material is centuries old, audiences shouldn’t expect a dusty, textbook-style production.
“If you learnt about Shakespeare or Twelfth Night in high school, throw those ideas away because that is not the show you’re going to see,” he said.
“Shakespeare is meant to be performed, not read. Yes, this show is unconventional, but at the core of it, we’re really trying to emulate Shakespeare’s original vision within a modern context – one of approachability for all and making his performances spectacular.”
The Gala Opening Night on 4 July includes a complimentary drink and hors d’oeuvres with all proceeds from ticket sales donated to The Armidale Playhouse.
Tickets are on sale now via adms.org.au or TryBooking.
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