Malvolio’s Fantasy – theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall

Malvolio’s Fantasy is a Shakespearian play with a modern twist. This funny, frivolous and energetic script was written by the Zuzabella duo or more precisely Zuza Sołtykowska and Isabella Olsen-Barone.

The show was a feast for all the senses. Containing some truly eye catching make-up and hair most (notably Carmen Acoster’s pinktastic look) all these head turning designs were created by Ashley McIntosh. If that wasn’t enough the play contained some originally written music by Claire Wang and Magda Olech. Some other much loved classics were also thrown into the mix, that really managed to hype up and engage the audience even more.

The play followed several characters’ stories that were all in one way or another connected to Malvolio. Overall, there was ten actors on stage, this includes Isy Ward playing some live music on the violin. Malvolio’s fantasy to climb the social ladder from servant to Duke is where the story begins, triggering a series of events and romances in its wake.

Throughout the performance many of the characters, at one point or another, had a moment on stage alone where they spoke at or to the audience. Each actor approached this in a different way, for example Rebecca Morgan who played Lady Olivia had a more subtle approach mainly breaking out of an emotion to show it was an act. Then Zac Askham who played Malvolio and Aodhán Mallon who performed as Orsino both had more direct approaches connecting more with the audience.

Mallon portrayed Orsino in a very sassy way and treated the audience the way he treated other characters on stage, almost looking down his nose at them. Mallon seemed to almost control the audience and had great comedic timing.

Askham, on the other hand also communicated with the audience but one thing that really caught my attention was the fact Askham was actively making eye contact. Staring right at the audience. This empowered Asham’s monologues and displayed Malvolio’s determined and confident nature.

The play was overall quite entertaining. However, there were moments where some actors were a bit quiet and spoke quickly which caused bits of scenes to be unintelligible. Nonetheless, everyone performed to a high standard and despite being inspired by Shakespear it could easily be enjoyed by non Shakespear enthusiasts due to the many modern phrases that were sprinkled throughout. Tickets available at: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/malvolio-s-fantasy

Reviewer: Marcelina Kruczynska

Reviewed: 21st August 2024

North West End UK Rating: