OVO Youth Ensemble’s Twelfth Night concludes 2026 Roman Theatre Festival this weekend

Twelfth Night by OVO Youth Ensemble. Photo: Ian Cullen

The OVO Roman Theatre festival draws to a close this Bank Holiday weekend with a production of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, staged by the OVO Youth Ensemble.

Adapted and directed by Faith Turner, the production reimagines the classic comedy in a vibrant seaside circus setting, brought to life by an 33-strong cast (featuring shared lead roles) who aim to deliver performances brimming with humour, warmth, and heart.

Set in an unnamed fishing village, the story unfolds through the eyes of an eclectic band of outsider fishermen. Keeping a watchful eye over both the tides and the onstage antics, they search for ‘true love’s catch’ – their awkward yet kind-hearted presence providing a sharp, delightful contrast to the vanity of the Count and Countess’s lovelorn households.

“Our Youth Ensemble is incredibly important, and its impact goes far beyond putting on a show,” says adapter and director Faith Turner.

“It provides a space to nurture creativity, empathy, and dedication, while fostering self-confidence, resilience, and a deep sense of belonging.”
Twelfth Night runs at the Roman Theatre of Verulamium in St Albans until August 31, with an additional matinée performance now scheduled for Bank Holiday Monday at 2.30pm.

For tickets and more information please visit https://ovo.org.uk/shows/twelfth-night/



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