Twelfth Night, or What You Will

About Twelfth Night at Shakespeare's Globe

Few comedies in the English language match the warmth, wit, and emotional complexity of Twelfth Night, or What You Will. Shakespeare's masterwork of mistaken identity follows Viola, who arrives shipwrecked on the shores of Illyria and assumes a male disguise to survive, only to find herself entangled in a labyrinth of unrequited love, comic misunderstanding, and unexpected feeling. The Duke Orsino pines for the Countess Olivia, who is herself captivated by Viola's alter ego Cesario, while Viola secretly loves the Duke. Layered on top of this romantic confusion is one of theatre's great comic subplots, centred on the pompous steward Malvolio and the mischievous Sir Toby Belch, whose scheming produces some of the most memorable scenes in all of Shakespeare.

This production brings that timeless story to one of the most resonant stages in the world, connecting contemporary audiences to a play that has provoked laughter and genuine feeling for over four centuries.

A Stage Like No Other

Shakespeare's Globe is not simply a backdrop; it is an active participant in every performance. The reconstructed playhouse on the South Bank was built using materials and methods faithful to the original 1599 theatre, and its distinctive thatched roof, oak frame, and circular yard create an atmosphere that no conventional indoor venue can replicate. Performances take place under open skies, meaning natural light shifts as the show progresses and the weather itself becomes part of the theatrical event.

The stage extends out into the audience, dissolving the boundary between performance and spectator. Groundlings standing in the yard find themselves just feet from the action, while seated gallery-goers enjoy elevated views of the full stage picture. Performers regularly acknowledge the crowd, continue scenes through playful interruptions, and treat the audience as a living presence rather than a passive witness. The result is a shared, communal experience that feels genuinely different from a night at a conventional West End house.

Why Twelfth Night Works So Well Here

Shakespeare wrote Twelfth Night for exactly this kind of performance space, and staging it at the Globe restores qualities that are often lost in modern productions. The comedic set pieces land with particular force when played directly to a crowd standing close enough to react spontaneously. The play's bittersweet undertow, its acknowledgement that love can be foolish, painful, and transformative all at once, registers with genuine intimacy in the Globe's architecture. There is also something quietly moving about hearing Shakespeare's language spoken on a stage that so deliberately echoes the theatres for which he composed it.

Who Will Enjoy This Production

Twelfth Night is one of the most accessible of Shakespeare's plays, making this production an excellent choice for first-time Globe visitors and seasoned Shakespeare enthusiasts alike. The comedy is broad enough to delight younger audiences with an interest in theatre, while the play's emotional and linguistic richness rewards those already familiar with the text. It is worth noting that the open-air setting means performances take place in all but the most extreme weather, so dressing in comfortable layers is always a sensible approach. Standing in the yard as a groundling is an affordable and exhilarating option, though the covered gallery seats offer a more sheltered experience.

Getting to Shakespeare's Globe

Shakespeare's Globe sits on the South Bank of the Thames in Bankside, SE1, a short walk from both Southwark and London Bridge stations. The riverside setting makes the journey itself part of the occasion, with views across to St Paul's Cathedral as you approach the theatre along the Thames Path. The surrounding area offers a wide range of places to eat and drink before or after the performance, and the Globe's own facilities include an on-site café and restaurant.

Booking Tickets for Twelfth Night

Tickets for this production are available across a range of price points, from groundling yard places to full gallery seating. The cast rotates regularly across the run, so each visit offers a fresh perspective on these iconic roles. Availability can move quickly for popular performances, particularly weekend evenings and matinees during peak summer weeks. Check current seat availability and secure your places via the booking links on this page or browse the full listings at BritishTheatre.com.