Twelfth Night Under the Stars: Shakespeare, Rain and a Very Melbourne Summer Night
Few things signal summer in Melbourne quite like theatre in the open air. As daylight fades and the gardens fill with conversation, Twelfth Night invites audiences to slow down and enjoy Shakespeare in a setting that feels social, with a drink in hand and the city easing into dusk, scenic and refreshingly informal.
If that’s your idea of a good evening, this production is currently playing at the Royal Botanic Gardens, offering a modern-spirited take on one of the Bard’s most enduring romantic comedies beneath the stars until the end of February.
On opening night, Melbourne delivered a reminder that summer rarely follows the script. Rain set in early, the temperature dipped, and the lawn quickly turned damp. And yet, almost everyone stayed. Wrapped in jackets, drinks catching raindrops, the audience watched through to the final moments, which indicated this production knows how to hold its crowd.
In this review, we look beyond the setting to examine how Twelfth Night works as an outdoor production — from the performances and direction, to the realities of watching a long Shakespearean comedy in Melbourne’s changeable summer weather. We also share our opening-night experience and practical tips for audiences planning to attend, so you know exactly what to expect before heading into the gardens.
A Classic Comedy Made for the Open Air
At its heart, Twelfth Night is a joyful mess of mistaken identities, romantic confusion and social mischief. After surviving a shipwreck, Viola believes her twin brother Sebastian has perished. Alone in a strange land, she disguises herself as a young man, Cesario, and enters the service of Duke Orsino. From there, chaos ensues, where Viola falls for Orsino, Orsino longs for Olivia, and Olivia falls for Cesario — unaware of Viola’s true identity.
This staging leans confidently into the play’s comedic engine. The pacing is lively, the humour broad, and the performances are pitched to reach across an open lawn rather than a hushed theatre. It’s a style that works particularly well outdoors, where physical comedy, music and audience interaction read clearly even from the back of the crowd.
Performances, Direction and Tone
Across both critical reception and our own experience, the production’s greatest strength lies in its ensemble cast and commitment to comedy. The secondary characters (Sir Toby Belch, Sir Andrew Aguecheek, Maria, Fabian, Malvolio and the fool Feste) form the beating heart of the show, driving much of the laughter through pranks, slapstick and playful irreverence.
If we have to give a big shout-out, the standout performance arguably comes from Tony Rive as Sir Andrew Aguecheek. With exaggerated physicality and finely tuned comic timing, his portrayal recalls the spirit of classic British comedy, bringing to mind the legendary Peter Cook. It’s a performance that consistently draws some of the night’s biggest laughs without tipping into excess.
Director Glenn Elston OAM balances two distinct modes of storytelling: sincere romantic arcs and flat-out farce. Some audiences might think the comedy often overshadows the romance, but this feels like a conscious choice rather than a shortcoming. This Twelfth Night is designed first and foremost as a crowd-pleasing outdoor experience, prioritising energy, a funnier version rather than introspective depth.
Musically, the production finds some of its most memorable moments. The songs are a clear highlight, with Alex Cooper anchoring the score on guitar throughout the show. These musical interludes do more than break up the action; they help sustain momentum across the long running time, and when the cast comes together in harmony, the effect is unexpectedly beautiful and genuinely engaging.
What Others Are Saying
Critical response has been overwhelmingly positive. Reviewers describe the production as bright, lively and genuinely funny, praising the Australian Shakespeare Company for making Shakespeare approachable without losing his wit. Many note how well the Royal Botanic Gardens’ Southern Cross Lawn supports the performance, allowing for audience interaction and a strong sense of communal enjoyment.
Opening Night: Rain, Resilience and Community
Opening night did not offer ideal conditions. It rained steadily, the temperature dropped, and by the first act, picnic rugs and coats were visibly soaked. Instead of retreating, the audience stayed seated, huddled closer and laughed louder — almost daring the weather to interrupt the night.
Sitting in the rain with Melbourne artist Sebnem Gencer, we leaned into the experience. Drinks collected raindrops, food was shared between scenes, and the cold became something to joke about rather than complain over. By the second half, the rain felt less like a disruption and more like part of the atmosphere — an oddly fitting backdrop for a play built on disorder and surprise.
For us, the night reaffirmed why outdoor theatre works so well. It doesn’t rely on perfect conditions; it thrives on unpredictability. The laughter, the weather and the audience’s collective decision to stay created a sense of shared commitment that no indoor theatre could replicate.
What to Know Before You Go
If you’re planning to attend Twelfth Night under the stars, a little preparation goes a long way:
- It’s a long show, so bringing your own snacks is a good idea
- Drinks and snacks are available to purchase onsite
- Hot chocolate is highly recommended if the evening turns cold
- Dress for unpredictable weather, even in summer
- Arrive early to secure a comfortable picnic spot on the lawn
The gardens offer plenty of space to spread out, reinforcing the idea that this is as much a night out as it is a theatre performance.
This production of Twelfth Night succeeds because it understands both its material and its audience. The Australian Shakespeare Company delivers a show that feels lively, generous and perfectly suited to Melbourne’s summer nights.
Rain or shine, it’s a reminder that Shakespeare works best when shared — outdoors, among friends, with laughter carrying across the lawn and into the dark.
Twelfth Night is playing at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Southern Cross Lawn, until 28th February. Tickets and further information are available via the Australian Shakespeare Company.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Twelfth Night about?
Twelfth Night is a romantic comedy centred on mistaken identity, disguise and love triangles. After a shipwreck, Viola disguises herself as a man, setting off a chain of romantic confusion involving Duke Orsino, Countess Olivia and a cast of mischievous supporting characters.
Where is Twelfth Night being performed in Melbourne?
The production is staged outdoors at the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, on the Southern Cross Lawn, as part of the Australian Shakespeare Company’s Shakespeare Under the Stars season.
Is this an outdoor performance?
Yes. The show is performed entirely outdoors. Audiences sit on the lawn, picnic-style, rather than in traditional theatre seating.
How long is the show?
The performance is on the longer side compared to some Shakespeare productions. Expect a full evening experience, which is why bringing snacks and settling in comfortably is recommended.
Can you bring food and drinks?
Yes. You’re welcome to bring your own picnic snacks and non-alcoholic drinks. There are also drinks and snacks available to purchase onsite, including hot beverages — which are especially welcome if the temperature drops.
Is Twelfth Night LGBTQ?
Twelfth Night is not explicitly LGBTQ in modern terms, but it is widely considered queer-coded and has strong LGBTQ themes. The play explores gender fluidity, cross-dressing, same-sex attraction (at least in appearance), and desire that exists outside fixed identities. Viola’s disguise as a man leads to romantic attraction from another woman (Olivia), while Viola herself loves Orsino — creating a deliberately blurred landscape of gender and desire that continues to resonate with contemporary LGBTQ audiences and interpretations.
What is the most Christmassy Shakespeare play?
Twelfth Night is often considered Shakespeare’s most Christmassy play. The title refers to the Twelfth Night of Christmas, traditionally celebrated on January 5 or 6, a time associated with revelry, misrule and role reversal — themes that run directly through the play.
What is the famous line from Twelfth Night?
The most famous line comes from the opening of the play, spoken by Duke Orsino:
“If music be the food of love, play on.”
It’s one of Shakespeare’s most quoted lines and sets the romantic, indulgent tone of the play from the very beginning.
Photos by (@Ben Fon)
