THE best moment of this extremely entertaining play was undoubtedly when the previously deadpan Malvolio, played by Richard Cordery, appears in a bright yellow diving style one-piece suit with an inane grin on his face.

The audience loved it, as they also did the rest of the performance.

Directed by Michael Boyd, the production featured a stylish modern set designed by Tom Piper, including rising and falling music stands and piano and a vertical arrival of a boat from the shipwreck. The acting was superb with not a below-par effort from anyone.

There were lots of great comic performances, particularly from a drunken Sir Toby, played by Nicky Henson and his foppish protege Sir Andrew Aguecheek was wonderfully portrayed by John Mackay, whose fight scenes were absolutely hilarious.

Kananu Kirimi was believable as Viola and the disguised young man Cesario, with a very funny exaggerated male walk. Aislin McGuickin was great as the whip-wielding Countess Olivia as was her feisty maid Maria, played by Meg Fraser.

I particularly enjoyed Forbes Masson's Jester Feste, who apart from being a great comic had a really super singing voice and also brought a certain poignancy to the role.

Twelfth Night runs until October and is a highly recommended night out.

LM