BBC Shakespeare Collection: Twelfth Night

In 1978, the BBC set itself the task of filming all of William Shakespeare's plays for television. The resulting productions, renowned for their loyalty to the text, utilised the best theatrical and television directors and brought acclaimed performances from leading contemporary actors.

Viola and Sebastian are lookalike twins, separated by a shipwreck. Landing in Illyria, Viola disguises herself as her brother and goes into the service of the Duke Orsino. When the Duke sends her to help him woo the Lady Olivia, the obstacles of unrequited love, self-deceit and mistaken identity soon lead an assortment of lovers on a merry dance.

Perhaps the most popular of Shakespeare's comedies, Twelfth Night considers the nature of love: true love, self-love and friendship. This star-filled production won great acclaim for its energy and for its inclusion of the play's often overlooked darker elements.