Compton Players tour in Twelfth Night

When Compton Players decided to make Twelfth Night their choice this year, many of their keenest supporters felt it was a mistake to tackle a Shakespearian play.

Yet the group presented it with distinction on four nights at Compton last week, paid a visit to the American Air Force at Greenham, and ended the run at the Barn Theatre, Didcot on Saturday. Unfortunately, the venture proved too, that Shakespeare is not very attractive to the masses, for in spite of Mr Sandy Wilson’s keen interpretation and lively production, backed by a hard-working cast, this play did not have the full houses it deserved.

Colin Bracewell as Sir Toby Belch was truly Shakespeare and ably abetted by Iza Dolan as Maria, Bob Walters as the foppish Sir Andrew Aguecheek and Bernard Sansom as Feste the court jester made a splendid comedy quartet. Malvolio (Peter Monger) was well played and amusing but in quieter vein, while Lawrence Middleton as Count Orsino delivered his lines with polish.

Olivia (Sheila Wilcock) and Viola (Susan Meakins) handled their parts with touching sincerity, well matched by Tom Stevens’ portrayal of Sebastian, for his Welsh voice gave words a musical sound and was in deep contrast to the bold Antonio (Sandy Walton). The parts of Valentine (Fred Holland) and the Priest (Ernest Golby) though small, deserve mention. Music was by Miss Rosemary Hibberd (dulcetone) and Colin Bracewell (recorder).