Duration
Open today
Revel in RSC’s fresh take on Twelfth Night, starring Freema Agyeman & Samuel West, with original tunes by Matt Maltese, playing at the Barbican this festive season.
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Prasanna Puwanarajah revives his Stratford hit with RSC at the Barbican in an “inspired and spellbinding” staging, balancing wild comedic energy and melancholic resonance for a festive masterpiece.
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Olivier-winner Samuel West lifts Malvolio beyond farce as Freema Agyeman (Doctor Who) brings sharp wit and emotional depth to Olivia’s evolution from mourning to marvel, contrasted powerfully with Gwyneth Keyworth’s raw, androgynous Viola, whose grief fuels her disguise and desire.
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Jame's Cotterill’s towering Edward Gorey–inspired organ set and Zoe Spurr’s lighting shift tone from glittering farce to Gothic poignancy, while Matt Maltese’s original indie‑pop score weaves humour and heartbreak into every scene
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British Theatre Guide called it “a feast of musical gags,” where Matt Maltese’s lush compositions and theatrical gags, like an organist sporing on the organ, fuel riotous joy even in its darkest undertones. Book your winter treat with Twelfth Night play tickets today!
The story
Shipwrecked Viola arrives in Illyria, believing her twin Sebastian lost, and disguises herself as Cesario, wooing Count Olivia on Orsino’s behalf. But Olivia falls for Cesario, Orsino pines for Olivia, and Viola harbors secret love, all tangled in witty disguises and emotional revelations. With modern songs woven in, book your Twelfth Night play tickets for a bittersweet comedy full of mistaken identities.
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These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Show details
Categories: Drama, Critics' Choice, Off West End, Shakespeare, Play, Classic
Audience: Suitable for all ages
Theater name: Barbican Theatre
Find the best seats in the house with the Barbican Theatre seating plan
Theater facilities: restrooms, bar, restaurant, cloakroom, cycle racks, parking spaces
Theater accessibility: wheelchair-accessible entrance and lifts, accessible seating, companion seats, accessible restrooms, access performance, captions available
Dress code: Smart casual
Cast & crew
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Leading roles: Samuel West as Malvolio, Freema Agyeman as Olivia, and Michael Grady‑Hall as Feste, Emily Benjamin as Priest, Norman Bowman as Antonio, and Demetri Goritsas as Sir Andrew Aguecheek.
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Book: William Shakespeare
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Direction: Prasanna Puwanarajah
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Set & costume designer: James Cotterill
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Lighting designers: Zoe Spurr & Bethany Gupwell
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Composer & original music: Matt Maltese
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Sound designer: George Dennis
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Movement director: Polly Bennett
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Casting director: Matthew Dewsbury CDG
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Music director: Lindsey Miller
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Arranger & additional music: Zac Gvi
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Associate director: Zoë Templeman‑Young
Additional info
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This show is suitable for all ages.
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Age suitability recommendations are just suggestions. So, trust your judgment when booking tickets for any show, and enjoy!
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Access performances: A captioned performance is scheduled on December 20, 2025, at 1:30pm, followed by a relaxed performance on December 30, 2025, at 1:30pm. An audio-described performance will be held on January 3, 2026, at 1:30pm, with a touch tour at 11:30-12pm.
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Most theaters are air-conditioned year-round, so it can get a bit chilly. Bring a light jacket just in case.
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You will receive an email with your Twelfth Night voucher. No need to print. Please carry a valid Photo Id for identification.
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