Duration
2 hrs 55 mins with 1 interval
Closing Date
Until January 17, 2026
Age limit
Suitable for all ages
Why Watch Twelfth Night?
- Join along for a gender‑bending, bittersweet twist on Shakespeare’s rom‑com set to new indie‑pop music by Matt Maltese, ideal for lovers of smart, modern classical theatre.
- The Royal Shakespeare Company reprises Olivier‑nominated Samuel West and Freema Agyeman (Doctor Who) as Malvolio and Olivia in this “inspired and spellbinding” (The Stage) show.
- The RSC’s 5‑star Stratford success brings evocative Edwardian‑inspired design by James Cotterill and clever staging, including an on‑stage organ that doubles as hiding and fire‑pole fun.
- This London season runs just six weeks at the Barbican Theatre. Book your Twelfth Night play tickets now!
Prasanna Puwanarajah’s revival of Twelfth Night marks the Royal Shakespeare Company’s celebrated festive transfer to the Barbican Theatre following a sold‑out Stratford run. This production blends Shakespeare’s comedic heart with fresh songs by Matt Maltese, exploring love, grief, and identity under Edwardian‑inspired aesthetics. The cast features Samuel West delivering a nuanced Malvolio—from slapstick yellow‑stocking hijinks to an emotionally layered final moment—alongside Freema Agyeman’s restrained Olivia and Michael Grady‑Hall’s revelatory Feste. The Guardian commends the production’s balance of comedy and melancholy, with director Puwanarajah maintaining thematic depth throughout. Don’t miss out on Twelfth Night (Royal Shakespeare Company) and book your tickets today!
Storyline
Shipwrecked on the shores of Illyria, Viola adopts a male disguise to survive and enters the service of Duke Orsino, tasked with courting Lady Olivia. But Olivia falls for Viola's disguise, while Viola harbors feelings for Orsino, sparking a delicious tangle of identity and affection. Amid subplots and comedic confusion, every character hides more than they reveal. Will chaotic love reign triumphant? Book your Twelfth Night London tickets to find out!
Show timings
Show timings for Twelfth Night may vary every week. You can check the show timings for your preferred date at the next stage of booking.
Cast & Crew
Leading roles: Samuel West as Malvolio, Freema Agyeman as Olivia, and Michael Grady‑Hall as Feste, Emily Benjamin as Priest, Norman Bowman as Antonio, and Demetri Goritsas as Sir Andrew Aguecheek.
Book: William Shakespeare
Direction: Prasanna Puwanarajah
Set & costume designer: James Cotterill
Lighting designers: Zoe Spurr & Bethany Gupwell
Composer & original music: Matt Maltese
Sound designer: George Dennis
Movement director: Polly Bennett
Casting director: Matthew Dewsbury CDG
Music director: Lindsey Miller
Arranger & additional music: Zac Gvi
Associate director: Zoë Templeman‑Young
Age Suitability
This show is suitable for all ages.
Age suitability recommendations are just suggestions. So, trust your judgment when booking tickets for any show, and enjoy!
Access performances: A captioned performance is scheduled on December 20, 2025, at 1:30pm, followed by a relaxed performance on December 30, 2025, at 1:30pm. An audio-described performance will be held on January 3, 2026, at 1:30pm, with a touch tour at 11:30-12pm.
Most theaters are air-conditioned year-round, so it can get a bit chilly. Bring a light jacket just in case.
Barbican Cinemas
The Barbican Theatre, part of the Grade II–listed Barbican Centre, opened in 1982 and seats around 1,156 across four levels, including stalls, circle, upper circle, and gallery. Designed by Chamberlin, Powell & Bon for the Royal Shakespeare Company, no seat sits further than 20 m from the stage, creating an intimate and immersive experience. The theatre’s brutalist architecture is a landmark in London, and it has hosted notable productions like Jesus Christ Superstar and Benedict Cumberbatch’s Hamlet.
The Barbican Theatre seating plan will help you find the best seats in the theater.
Getting There
- Address: Beech St, City of London, London EC1Y 8AA, UK
Facilities & Accessibility
Available facilities: restrooms, bar, cloakroom, restaurant, cycle racks, parking spaces
Accessibility: accessible restrooms, wheelchair-accessible entrance and lifts, accessible seating, companion seats, access performance, captions available
Additional Information
- Access performances: A captioned performance is scheduled on December 20, 2025, at 1:30pm, followed by a relaxed performance on December 30, 2025, at 1:30pm. An audio-described performance will be held on January 3, 2026, at 1:30pm, with a touch tour at 11:30-12pm.
- Security: To ensure your comfort and security, you might encounter a few security checks when you arrive at the venue.
- Dress code: Smart casual or semi-formal attire is the way to go.
- Outside food: While outside food isn't usually allowed, many theaters have cafes or restaurants nearby for you to check out before or after the show.
Tickets Redemption
You will receive an email with your Twelfth Night voucher. No need to print. Please carry a valid Photo Id for identification.
Cancellation & Refunds
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Frequently asked questions
Ticket prices start from £31.25 and vary based on seat selection, date, and available discounts such as youth or group rates.
The play does not have a strict age limit; it is most suitable for all ages.
The show is playing at the Barbican Theatre, located within the Barbican Centre in central London.
Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night follows shipwrecked Viola, who disguises herself as a man, leading to a tangled web of mistaken identity and unexpected love in the land of Illyria.
The running time is approximately 2 hours and 55 minutes, including one 20-minute interval.
The cast includes Freema Agyeman as Olivia, Samuel West as Malvolio, and Michael Grady-Hall as Feste, Emily Benjamin as Priest, Norman Bowman as Antonio, and Demetri Goritsas as Sir Andrew Aguecheek.
This revival is directed by Prasanna Puwanarajah and produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company, featuring original music by Matt Maltese.
Yes, while keeping Shakespeare’s text intact, this version uses contemporary design, movement, and live music to create a fresh, engaging interpretation.
Yes, the production includes original songs composed by Matt Maltese, enhancing the emotional and comedic elements of the play.
Absolutely. The performance style, staging, and musical elements make the story easy to follow even if you’re new to Shakespeare.
Yes, a captioned performance is scheduled on December 20, 2025, at 1:30pm, followed by a relaxed performance on December 30, 2025, at 1:30pm. An audio-described performance will be held on January 3, 2026, at 1:30pm, with a touch tour at 11:30-12pm.
Definitely. This production is designed to be accessible for both seasoned fans and newcomers to Shakespeare’s work.
Twelfth Night is a romantic comedy, rich with mistaken identities, witty banter, and moments of emotional depth.
