Twelfth Night - Theatre : Bring a Picnic to grounds of Totnes Castle.

by Sun and Moon Theatre

Suitable for all ages

Picnic Performance : Bring a rug, bring your picnic and your favourite tipple

Post-war 1950s Illyria, marked by loss, is still finding its way back to joy when a shipwreck brings 'most wonderful' chaos to its shores. In a melancholy world that craves merriment, disguises are donned, deceptions are devised, celebration collides with propriety, restraint with defiance and love is in the air, leading to hilarious and emotional outcomes.

Join us for Shakespeare's greatest comedy drama, featuring a dynamic ensemble, live music, wit, laughter, mistaken identities, love and cakes and ale! This is a vibrant production that will delight and entertain - join us, rain or shine, for some midsummer madness ...

This is a fast-paced, ensemble-led open-air production of Twelfth Night (or What You Will), performed using Shakespeare’s original text (First Folio), cut down to 2 hours including an interval, and shaped for clarity, pace and accessibility. The storytelling is actor-driven and direct, with a visible, tight-knit ensemble who multi-role, create live music, and transform the space. The production is designed to be adaptable and responsive, allowing it to thrive in a range of environments – we care deeply about the actor-audience relationship and every performance is unique.

Set during the 1950s, the piece frames the play’s themes of grief, longing and mistaken identity within a world rebuilding after loss. In a society craving joy, Viola’s arrival sparks chaos, romance and misrule. The comedy is playful, witty and physical but grounded in emotional truth — the melancholy of the play is honoured so that the eventual celebration feels earned and restorative.

Visually, the production evokes the 1950s during the festive season: winter warmth, vintage vibes, and touches of festive sparkle emerging from post-war austerity. The show will have a mix of black, white and greyscale colour scheme that will become more colourful with an oceanic template of greens, blues and yellows.

The overall feel is vibrant, comedic and heartfelt — an intimate yet energetic event that invites audiences to share in music, love and laughter.