National Theatre Live: Twelfth Night (2017)
Shakespeare's comedy of mistaken identity and unrequited love, captured live from the National Theatre with Tamsin Greig in a celebrated gender-swapped performance.
National Theatre Live: Twelfth Night - Movie Information
- Original Title: National Theatre Live: Twelfth Night
- Release Year: 2017
- Directed by: Robin Lough
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy, Drama
- Runtime: 2h 42m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Production Companies: National Theatre
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
- Alternative Titles: Twelfe Night, Or What You Will (UK)
National Theatre Live: Twelfth Night - Plot
A ship is wrecked on the rocks. Viola is washed ashore but her twin brother Sebastian is lost. Determined to survive on her own, she steps out to explore a new land. So begins a whirlwind of mistaken identity and unrequited love. The nearby households of Olivia and Orsino are overrun with passion. Even Olivia's upright housekeeper Malvolia is swept up in the madness. Where music is the food of love, and nobody is quite what they seem, anything proves possible.
National Theatre Live: Twelfth Night - Trailer
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National Theatre Live: Twelfth Night - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Robin Lough
Main Cast
- Tamsin Greig
- Tamara Lawrance
- Daniel Ezra
- Oliver Chris
- Phoebe Fox
- Tim McMullan
- Daniel Rigby
- Niky Wardley
- Emmanuel Kojo
- Brad Morrison
Producers
- Kate Moore
- Flo Buckeridge
National Theatre Live: Twelfth Night - FAQs
What is National Theatre Live: Twelfth Night about?
This NT Live production captures Shakespeare's beloved comedy of mistaken identity and tangled romance. Viola, shipwrecked and separated from her twin brother Sebastian, disguises herself as a man and stumbles into the lovestruck households of Olivia and Orsino — where chaos, passion, and delightful confusion reign supreme.
Why is Malvolia significant in this production?
Director Marianne Elliott made the bold choice of gender-swapping the role, casting Tamsin Greig as Malvolia rather than the traditional Malvolio. This reimagining adds fresh layers of meaning to the character's humiliation and resilience, and Greig's performance earned widespread critical acclaim as the production's standout element.
Is this a film or a recorded stage performance?
It's a filmed stage performance — part of the National Theatre Live series, which captures acclaimed London productions and broadcasts them to cinemas worldwide. Robin Lough directed the screen recording of Marianne Elliott's stage production, preserving the energy of a live theatre experience for global audiences.
Where can you watch National Theatre Live: Twelfth Night?
You can check current streaming and rental availability for National Theatre Live: Twelfth Night on JustWatch, which lists all platforms offering the film in your region. Options may vary depending on your location, so it's worth checking for the most up-to-date viewing options.
Who are the main cast members in this production?
Tamsin Greig leads as Malvolia, with Tamara Lawrance as Viola, Daniel Ezra as Sebastian, Oliver Chris as Orsino, and Phoebe Fox as Olivia. The ensemble also features Tim McMullan, Daniel Rigby, Niky Wardley, and Doon Mackichan, delivering a richly comic and emotionally resonant performance throughout.
Does this production change anything from Shakespeare's original?
The most notable departure is the gender-swapping of Malvolio to Malvolia, played by Tamsin Greig. The production also features a contemporary staging by director Marianne Elliott, giving the play a fresh, modern sensibility while preserving Shakespeare's original text and the play's core themes of love, identity, and folly.
How was this production received by critics?
The production was very warmly received, with critics singling out Tamsin Greig's performance as Malvolia as exceptional. Reviewers praised the inventive staging, the ensemble's comic timing, and the emotional depth brought to a play often treated as pure farce. It's widely regarded as one of NT Live's finest Shakespeare broadcasts.
How long is National Theatre Live: Twelfth Night?
The runtime is 2 hours and 42 minutes — longer than a typical film, which reflects its origins as a full-length stage production. That said, the pacing is lively and the comedy keeps things moving, so it rarely feels like a lengthy sit for fans of Shakespeare or theatre.
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