Review: Twelfth Night – Red Rose Chain Theatre in the Forest
If you go down to the woods today, you’re sure of a big surprise – and if those woods happen to be at Sutton Hoo, you’ll discover surprise after surprise as Red Rose Theatre Company returns for its much-loved annual Theatre in the Forest with a delightful production of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night.
Red Rose’s Theatre in the Forest has become one of the highlights of the Suffolk summer calendar, and this year’s production once again demonstrates why. Set against the atmospheric backdrop of Sutton Hoo, the venue provides the perfect setting for an enchanting evening of outdoor theatre, where Shakespeare’s timeless comedy comes vividly to life.
Directed by David Newborn, with assistant director Katy Latham, this year’s production is dedicated to the memory of Red Rose founder Joanna Carrick, who sadly passed away in January following a short illness, aged just 58. Together, David and Katy have beautifully captured the unique magic that audiences have come to expect from Theatre in the Forest and have created a fitting tribute that Joanna would undoubtedly have been proud of.
Twelfth Night is presented as a fast-paced, colourful and inventive production, packed with energy, humour and unexpected surprises. A talented cast of just seven actors takes on multiple roles with remarkable ease, delivering seamless character changes and impressively quick costume transformations throughout. Their performances are consistently engaging, ensuring the audience is entertained from beginning to end.
The production is genuinely laugh-out-loud funny, featuring plenty of clever comic moments, imaginative staging and a few well-chosen modern musical touches that blend surprisingly well with Shakespeare’s text. Even those unfamiliar with the Bard’s work will find the story easy to follow thanks to Red Rose’s fresh, accessible interpretation. The company’s innovative approach makes this centuries-old comedy feel vibrant, relevant and thoroughly entertaining.
If you’re looking for a memorable evening of theatre this summer, Twelfth Night at Sutton Hoo is not to be missed. Book your tickets now and experience Shakespeare as you’ve never seen him before.
• Twelfth Night is at Sutton Hoo, Woodbridge until 22nd August 2026. To book tickets visit www.redrosechain.com or call the Box office on 01473 603388.
Review: Wendy Cook, Ipswich24 Magazine
Pics: Bill Jackson
Click on Pictures to see larger version
