Twelfth Night — Queensland Theatre

Overview

Think that you don't like Shakespeare? Sorry, think again. More than 400 years after the Bard's death, there truly is a Shakespearean effort for everyone — whether you're keen on his tragedies, comedies or histories; or traditional or modern interpretation; or versions on the stage or the screen.

Only like contemporary updates like 10 Things I Hate About You, which is based on ol' Shakes' The Taming of the Shrew? That's fine. Love nothing more than seeing actors tread the boards and utter Hamlet's famous soliloquy? That's ace too. Fancy one of his hits dressed up with brand new songs? Yep, that's a-okay too.

If you don't know what we mean by the latter, that's where Queensland Theatre's Twelfth Night comes in. Taking over the QPAC Playhouse until May 19, it's the tale of a twin, Viola, washed ashore in a shipwreck, separated from her brother and forced to disguise herself as a man to survive. If you saw the 2006 rom-com She's the Man, then you've already seen one version of this story. QT's is another, sticking closer to the script — aka, there's no soccer-playing Amanda Bynes here — and pairing the narrative with tunes by Tim Finn.

The Split Enz and Crowded House great's tracks will accompany performances by Liz Buchanan, Sandro Colarelli, Jason Klarwein, Christen O'Leary and Jessica Tovey, in what remains one of Shakespeare's funniest efforts.