West End actors from ‘London Touring Players’ perform Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night production at Furzey Gardens.
London Touring Players returned to Furzey Gardens for the third consecutive year, after two previous sell-out seasons, alongside a live jazz band, from August 05 to 28.
The acclaimed cast are renowned for their performances in ‘The Comedy of Errors’ and ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’.
“The pre-show camaraderie was a buzz with the sound of prosecco popping, charcuterie boards assembling and families battling camping chairs as the garden settles in for the evening.”
New Forest Business News reviewer
The cast consists of actors from West End productions, Shakespeare’s Globe, The National Theatre, and the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Director, Abbey Wright, who previously trained as an associate to Alan Rickman and Danny Boyle, said: “It is always a highlight in our summer calendar to return to Furzey Gardens which offers such a stunning backdrop to our alfresco stage!
“It’s more than just a venue for us as a theatrical team, the surrounding natural beauty allows the actors to fully immerse themselves in the narrative of the play, creating many a moment of theatrical brilliance.”
A New Forest Business News reviewer attended the show stating: “Furzey Gardens’ Twelfth Night began with the New Forest Picnic Olympics.
“The pre-show camaraderie was a buzz with the sound of prosecco popping, charcuterie boards assembling and families battling camping chairs as the garden settles in for the evening.”
Estate Manager at Furzey Gardens, Andrew Bentley, said: “Against our picturesque backdrop, this open-air comedy promised to be a delightful night of romance, live music, and uproarious comedy that is perfect for the entire family.”
“The surrounding natural beauty allows the actors to fully immerse themselves in the narrative of the play, creating many a moment of theatrical brilliance.”
Abbey Wright, Director, London Touring Players
Furzey Gardens supports people with learning difficulties, alongside the charitable organisation Minstead Trust.
Bentley added: “The income these performances generate for our charity will help us continue to offer crucial support and training for people with learning disabilities.”
At Furzey Gardens, people with learning difficulties are part of the team, learning horticultural and hospitality skills.
The Minstead Trust aims to help people to ‘achieve greater independence, lead fulfilled lives and live as full citizens in society.’
For more information, you can head to: https://www.minsteadtrust.org.uk/furzey-gardens.
A review from New Forest Business News associate
Furzey Gardens’ Twelfth Night began with the New Forest Picnic Olympics. The pre-show camaraderie was a buzz with the sound of prosecco popping, charcuterie boards assembling and families battling camping chairs as the garden settles in for the evening.
It’s noteworthy that Furzey is a charming venue and host, welcoming guests warmly with a host of local artist and craft work on exhibition and sale, making the restroom queues considerably more entertaining.
London Touring Players are an utterly charming, charismatic troupe radiating talent with effortless delight. The audience is welcomed in with an opening song, showcasing the musicality with laughter and a recurring ditty you’ll be whistling for days while wondering if it’s too late to learn the clarinet or double bass.
With the added quaint sound of birdsong, we meet our characters. An early scene stealer comes in the form of Toby Baddeley as Sir Andrew, whose eccentric performance will endear and fascinate you. That is until the unassuming Malvolio, performed to perfection by Edward Watchman, becomes a force to be reckoned with – delivering an outstanding, side splitting Act 1 finale that will leave you hungry for more. Hungry? No, ravenous.
The physical comedy is delivered with the energy of Duracell bunnies, perfectly accompanied by stunning musical interludes. The choreographer would surely be proud of their fine ability to capture the physicality of the performers with pitch-perfect comedic timing.
The whole experience feels like a whirlwind, something one doesn’t normally feel during a performance of classic Shakespeare. The evening is a flurry of laughter echoing through the garden, with no ounce of energy spared by the cast despite the runtime.
Cannot recommend enough, a truly memorable and remarkable experience.
News story written by Freya Taylor. Review written by Libby Watt.
