It's been a while since I've seen one of Shakespeare's plays on stage and last night was the first time I'd seen a Shakespeare play performed outdoors. But it wasn't for want of trying. Several years ago we booked to see 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' at midsummer which should have been idyllic, but torrential rain and floods forced us to have our picnic in the kitchen and abandon going to the play.
So for the last few days we'd been watching the skies hoping that it would stay dry for Illyria's production of 'Twelfth Night' at Carrickfergus. We went prepared for all weather, with winter coats and gloves! It was still July though at times it felt distinctly autumnal.
As Orsino uttered the opening lines there was a glimpse of blue sky peeping between the clouds and it looked like we might be spared showers.
With only five actors in the troupe, each played several characters.
For me one of the highpoints had to be Malvolio appearing in his yellow stockings, brightening up what was becoming a darker evening as grey clouds gathered overhead.
Inevitably the rain arrived. We huddled down in our coats determined not to miss the fun, despite becoming a bit soggy.
And if we were a bit soggy, the actors must have been too. They were all amazing, continuing to deliver their lines impeccably, despite a storm beginning to brew with leaves blowing off the trees and the rain becoming heavier.
I've seen several Illyria productions over the years and they never disappoint. Despite the weather, this had to be one of their best performances. It felt a perfect night, right from the beginning. Maybe it was because the play takes place in Illyria, or maybe because I'd finally got to see Shakespeare performed outdoors. And the words of Feste's final song could not have been more appropriate last night - it certainly felt it had raineth every day this July and it brought a smile to everyone's faces.
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