Les Dennis to star in Twelfth Night at Shakespeare North Playhouse

Not Too Tame and Shakespeare North Playhouse proudly announce another dynamic co-production, bringing forth a brilliantly bold rendition of William Shakespeare’s timeless comedy, ‘Twelfth Night’.

Beloved actor, comedian, and TV Presenter, Les Dennis, is set to take to the Shakespeare North Playhouse stage as ‘Malvolio’ in Twelfth Night this June 7 – 29.

Following the resounding success of their previous collaboration, ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’, the producing duo return to captivate audiences with a signature blend of exhilarating and anarchic experimental theatre.

Not Too Tame & Shakespeare North Playhouse give this classic comedy a contemporary revamp with a dose of riffs, ruffs, and riotous partying. Prepare to be transported into a world where the stage is set, the music is pumping, and love takes centre stage as the ultimate headliner.

Les Dennis, renowned for his versatility and captivating stage presence, will step into the iconic role of Malvolio, the puritanical and pompous servant of the countess Olivia.

Les Dennis, one of the UK’s most renowned entertainers, boasts a 50-year showbiz career. Hailing from Liverpool, he rose as a comedian in the 1970s and dominated Saturday night TV in the 80s and 90s. He recently returned to Saturday night TV with a fabulous turn on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing.

In recent years, Les has enjoyed a thriving career as an actor, performing with companies such as the Royal Shakespeare Company and the English National Opera, and in numerous hit plays and musicals in the West End and on tour, as well as a regular role on Coronation Street.

Les Dennis - Twelfth Night. Credit: Shakespeare North Playhouse — Les Dennis – Twelfth Night. Credit: Shakespeare North Playhouse

Les Dennis said:

“I am thrilled to be playing Malvolio in Twelfth Night.

“Ever since I went to Stratford with the school and saw it I have always wanted to do it. The great Sir Ken Dodd famously played the part, and the fact that Shakespeare North has a Doddy garden through the support of Lady Dodd and the Sir Ken Dodd Foundation is an additional bonus. How tickled I am to be following in his footsteps.”

Directed by Not Too Tame’s Artistic Director, Jimmy Fairhurst (A Midsummer Night’s Dream– Not Too Tame, Shakespeare North Playhouse; The Social– Not Too Tame, Northern Soul; Palace of Varieties– Derby Theatre) this rendition of Twelfth Night is a raucous celebration of unrequited love and mistaken identities, set against the backdrop of the music scene.

Nominated for Best Director at the UK Theatre Awards in 2023 for A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Jimmy is a director, writer, and actor who creates and develops shows that are steeped in working class culture, with a focus on audiences who feel that theatre isn’t for them.

Jimmy Fairhurst said:

“Ding Ding! And bells out for round two!

I’m thrilled to be announcing our second co-production with the incredible team at Shakespeare North Playhouse. After the successes of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ last year which saw packed-out audiences on their feet night after night, I’m coming back with more of the same…but I’m turning it up to 11. I believe ‘Twelfth Night’ is naturally an

Priority on-sale tickets for Twelfth Night go on sale Wednesday 7 February at 10am with general on-sale on Thursday 8 February at 10am. Sign up to become a Cockpit Circle Member to access priority on-sale tickets and other benefits including discounted tickets, food and beverage offers and advanced season announcements.