THE comedy traces the story of Viola, one of two twins shipwrecked on opposite coasts of Illyria, a country ruled by the Duke Orsino, who is suffering an unrequited love for the mourning Countess Olivia. Believing her brother to have drowned, and now alone in the world, Viola disguises herself as a boy, changing her name to Cesario, and becomes Orsino’s servant in order to survive.

However, she soon falls in love with her master and finds herself caught between him and Olivia, sent to woo her on his behalf. Things are further complicated when Olivia falls in love with the ‘boy’, leading to a love triangle that only the arrival of Viola’s brother, Sebastian, can untangle.

This company of talented actors did the bard proud. Every single one of them from the speaking parts to the non-speaking ones were excellent and no fault could be found for any of them.

The set was well thought out and enormous credit must go to the director, Michael J Smith, for the superb staging of entrances and exits. There was not a moment when the action flagged and the pace of the piece was just right. The music added to the whole atmosphere and the costumes were second to none.

For me the outstanding performances of the evening were Viola/Cesario (Jenn Singleton), Olivia (Tracey Nicholls) and Sir Toby Belch (Michael J Smith). These were of the highest order.

Well done Wimborne Drama.