A reView by Angela Hagan

If you go down to Sutton Hoo woods today you’re in for a big surprise!

For Red Rose Chain Theatre Company’s latest production of Shakespeare’s hilarious romance of mistaken identity, Twelfth Night, has been causing quite a stir in this part of the county. All staged outside in this historic and sparkly tree-lined setting, it promises an evening of uproarious laughs.

Co-directed by David Newborn and Katy Latham, and featuring a staggeringly talented cast of actor-musicians, Twelfth Night is staged in memory of Red Rose Chain’s founder/artistic director, Jo Carrick, who sadly passed away this year. Using Jo’s adaptation from her wonderful 2011 production and her unique Theatre In The Forest style, this really is a treat for Shakespeare fans, both old and new.

Red Rose’s core actors bring to life this action-packed musical romp which focusses on shipwrecked twins, Viola and Sebastian, played superbly by Georgia Redgrave and Joseph Russell, who each assume that the other is drowned. When Viola disguises herself as a boy to work for the Count Orsino (Darren Latham), a hilarious comedy of mistaken identity and misunderstanding unfolds, full of romance, revenge and … garish yellow stockings! They are joined by Vincent Moisy as Malvolio, Emily Jane Kerr as Sir Toby Belch, Darren Latham as Orsino/Sir Andrew Aguecheek, Nadia Jackson as Olivia, Joseph Russell as Sebastian/Maria and Alec Murray as Feste the musical fool. But don’t be fooled as Feste may well be the wisest of the bunch. He certainly can belt out a great tune. It was no surprise to us when we caught up with Alec, who plays Feste, after the show to discover that he is about to bring out an EP. He is clearly a superstar in the making.

If you do one thing this summer, grab yourself some tickets, arrive early and take a picnic or better still, tuck into a delicious handmade spelt pizza courtesy of Smokey Deez.

We promise - you will laugh, you will sing, you will marvel at the setting, you will coo at the cutest of dogs (wait and see!) and you will leave feeling a lot lighter than when you first walked in! But hurry, as there are only a few performances left (it finishes this weekend) and tickets are selling like … well, hot pizzas!

This month-long production runs until 22 August . Performances Tuesday – Saturday.

The show starts at 7.30pm. Sutton Hoo gates open from 5pm for ticket holders and picnic-seekers. The theatre space opens at 6pm for pre-show.