Tis the twelfth night

Tonight is the Twelfth night after Christmas, the last day of Christmas merriment and the night all Christmas decorations are to be banished to the loft once more.

William Shakespeare is believed to have been written his comedy, Twelfth Night, around 1601-02, to mark the end of the Christmas season. The play is centered around twin brother and sister, Sebastian and Viola who are separated in a shipwreck, each believing the other did not survive, Orsino, the Duke of lllyria, who is in love with his neighbour, the Countess Olivia, who is mourning the loss of her brother.

Viola masqurades as a boy called Cesario and enters service as a page to Duke Orsino, who she promptly falls in love with. Despite his rejection Orsino sends Cesario to woo Olivia on his behalf. Olivia falls for Cesario and she sends her pompous steward, Malvolio, after 'him' with a ring.

Meanwhile, Sebastian comes to Illyria with sea-captain Antonio, who is a wanted man for piracy against Orsino. In true Shakespearen spirit there are some mistaken identifies and a dual.

A few short scenes later, Sebastian is betrothed to Olivia and Antonio realises his attraction to Cesario, who is relieved to find out is Viola. Much merriment ensues as the characters and the audience celebrate the happy ending.