| Score | Comment | Date |
 | There have been two major productions of Twelfth Night in London in the past year or so but nothing could have prepared me for Filter's version. At times it resembles an undisciplined student exercise with silly noises and daft jokes but despite all the tomfoolery the text is still respected and just about survives. The only part which really fails is the ending where the doubling of Viola and Sebastian is not satisfactorily handled. Definitely a brave and intriguing venture and probably ideal for those encountering the play as part of GCSE studies. BUT, nothing can convey the full horror of a matinee at the Tricycle almost entirely filled with school parties. The stubborn insistence on unreserved seating has brought justified criticism, particularly from the West End Whingers, but when three parties of at least 30 kids are trying to be seated together predictable chaos ensued and "ordinary" punters are forced into odd recesses and corners. Filter's riotous style also encourages audience participation but makes it impossible to obtain quiet during the passages when they are trying to act "properly". Definitely an experience but not one I would necessarily want to repeat. - David Baxter | 27 May 10 |
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