Shakespeare’s comedy Twelfth Night tells the story of Viola who, shipwrecked on the shore of Illyria, believes her twin brother Sebastian to be drowned. She disguises herself as a boy and enters the service of the love-sick Duke, Orsino, who proceeds to send her to woo Olivia on his behalf. This plan creates a chaos of mistaken identities and confused desires. Even the pompous Malvolio, duped by Sir Toby Belch and his ebullient companions, dons his yellow stockings in pursuit of a dream.

Twelfth Night sees former National Theatre Director Peter Hall return to the South Bank to celebrate his 80th birthday with a Shakespearean comedy. The eminent director is among the most lauded in his field, having served as head of both the NT and the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Sir Peter’s daughter, actress Rebecca Hall, makes her National Theatre debut playing Viola in Twelfth Night. She has previously appeared at the Old Vic in The Winter’s Tale and The Cherry Orchard, and in the films Vicky Cristina Barcelona, The Prestige and Starter For 10.

For more about Twelfth Night at the National Theatre, Cottesloe read the First Night Feature.