Twelfth Night, as its title suggests, takes its original inspiration from post-Christmas revels. Feasting, drinking, and subversion of social norms were the order of the day, and all feature in the play. Nevertheless, the play is also thoroughly at home in a summer garden. Indeed, the most famous scene - the gulling of the arrogant, puritanical Malvolio - takes place in the gardens of the lovelorn Olivia. The beautiful garden of Holywell Manor is therefore the perfect setting for Balliol MCR's production of Shakespeare's cross-dressing (and cross-gartered) comedy.

Director Emma Turnbull has given her production a simple, traditional feel, with doublet-and-hose costumes, live flute music, and a bare minimum of props and scenery. This places the focus entirely on Shakespeare's witty and passionate script, which is handled well by most of the cast. Turnbull herself takes the central role of Viola - and her male alter-ego Cesario - and gives a lively and engaging performance. The quality of the supporting players varies considerably, the strongest performers being Aoife O'Gorman as Olivia, making the transition from melancholic mourner to love-struck bride-to-be with a great deal of wry humour, and Calypso Nash as the flirty, mischievous Maria. The volume of speaking - often a difficulty of outdoor productions - was generally excellent, although one or two members of the cast might benefit from being a little louder.

Twelfth Night is a play that has its darker elements, not least the wrongful imprisonment of Malvolio as a lunatic, and the arrest of Antonio, saviour of Viola's twin brother Sebastian. Turnbull has chosen to play down these darker aspects, however, and focus instead on the comedic misunderstandings and romantic aspects of the play, a choice entirely befitting the tranquil, summery setting of the production.

All in all, this is a fun production of a great play in a beautiful location.