MATTHEW Kelly stars in a thrilling new production of Shakespeare?s classic comedy Twelfth Night at the Theatre Royal Plymouth. Often called the most perfect of Shakespeare?s romantic comedies Twelfth Night is an exhilarating mix of misplaced passions and comic misunderstandings; a story of discovery, fulfilment and happiness. There are also strong elements of tragedy and this, coupled with the play?s farcical elements, makes Twelfth Night one of Shakespeare?s most consummate works. Off the coast of Illyria, Viola and her brother Sebastian are shipwrecked. Thinking Sebastian dead, Viola disguises herself as a boy and is swept into a tangled web of romance and confused affections. So begins Shakespeare?s ever-popular comedy. Matthew Kelly stars as Malvolio, a pompous and arrogant steward to Olivia, played by Honeysuckle Weeks (Sam Stewart in Foyles War). Matthew was the recipient of the Olivier Award for Best Actor in 2004 for his portrayal of Lennie in Of Mice and Men but is probably best known as host of the popular TV series ?Stars in their Eyes?. They are joined by Hilton McRae and Christopher Benjamin, both highly respected RSC and National Theatre actors. Patrick Mason directs this play. He is a former artistic director of Dublin?s Abbey Theatre, and directed the original award-winning productions of Dancing at Lughnasa and Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching On and more recently the highly successful tour of Rebecca. Twelfth Night is at the Theatre Royal from Friday September 30 to Saturday, October 8.
