Waterford theatre collective Shakespeare Squared has announced an exciting ensemble of actors and musicians who will bring The Bard’s raucous romantic comedy Twelfth Night to life in the ancient outdoor setting of the city’s Viking Triangle this September.
Romance, music, poetry, comedy and hilarious pranks will abound as the play follows the shipwrecked ‘Viola’, played by Honi Cooke, alone and separated from her twin brother in a strange land. A graduate of the Lir Academy, Honi’s recent credits include ‘Tír na nÓg’ for RTÉ Jr.
‘Viola’ sets in motion a tale of misunderstandings and tangled love triangles when she masquerades as her lost brother in the court of Duke Orsino, played by Andrew Holden. Andrew’s credits include Ebenezer Scrooge in ‘A Christmas Carol’ (Garter Lane), Fr. Welsh in ‘The Lonesome West’ (The Everyman Cork), Frederick in ‘The Collector’ (national tour), Cottons in Jim Nolan’s ‘The Gods Are Angry Miss Kerr’ (Theatre Royal), ‘Sweeney Todd’ (The Gate Theatre), ‘Riverdance’ (European Tour) and ‘The All-Star Wars’ (national tour).
Viola’s twin brother, ‘Sebastian’, will be played by Adam Phelan, while Natasha Everitt features as the royal jester, ‘Feste’. Adam’s recent credits include Ryan in the short film 'The Last Laugh' and ‘Twelve Angry Men’ (Cork Opera House). Natasha has previously worked with Little Red Kettle, Jim Nolan, Amanda Coogan and The Experimental Film Society.
The full cast of unforgettable characters also includes Shauna Farrell (Olivia), Jack Healy (Malvolio), Natalie Stringer (Maria), Joe Meagher (Sir Toby Belch), Morgan Cooke (Sir Andrew Aguecheek), Kieran Walsh (Antonio) and Killian Browne (Valentine).
The production, taking place in partnership with Theatre Royal, will be co-directed by Deirdre Dwyer and Joe Meagher, who are currently adapting the script to take advantage of the historic area’s striking architectural features and atmospheric landscaping. Cast and audience will move together through the city’s cobbled, quayside laneways in this music-filled outdoor promenade show, which runs from 6th-10th and 13th-17th September.
Tickets are now on sale from www.theatreroyal.ie or 051 874402.
Shakespeare Squared is funded by the Arts Council’s Theatre Project Awards 2023 and supported by Waterford City & County Council.
