Twelfth Night 2025

See the spellbinding adaptation of Shakespeare's celebrated play, Twelfth Night, showing at Barbican Theatre for a strictly limited six-week run.

This witty, bittersweet comedy about loss, longing and love triangles promises to captivate audiences this festive season with its compelling narrative that both grips and enchants.

What is Twelfth Night about?

One of Shakespeare’s most beloved romantic comedies, Twelfth Night follows the resilient noblewoman Viola, who is caught in a violent storm and shipwrecked on the shores of Illyria.

Believing herself to be the sole survivor – and mourning the loss of her twin brother Sebastian and their crew – Viola adopts the disguise of a serving boy named “Cesario.” In this new identity, she enters the household of the love-sick Duke Orsino, and soon finds herself falling for him.

When Orsino sends “Cesario” to court the Countess Olivia on his behalf, chaos and hilarity proceeds as Olivia instantly becomes smitten with the disguised Viola. Entangled in a topsy-turvy love triangle where hidden identities and unspoken desires are rife, Viola must navigate a world of loss, longing and unexpected love.

Why you should see Twelfth Night 2025

A must-see this festive season, Prasanna Puwarajah’s visually stunning, witty and electric production of Twelfth Night returns to the spotlight at the Barbican, following its successful run in Stratford-upon-Avon.

This fresh and moving take on Shakespeare’s classic comedy features original music and songs composed by singer-songwriter Matt Maltese, immersive staging and a stellar cast.

Prepare to be swept away as Shakespeare’s tale of love and liberation spills its vibrant energy across the Barbican stage in a joyful celebration of identity, desire and freedom.

When is the Twelfth Night showing at the Barbican Theatre in 2025?

Twelfth Night is showing at the Barbican Theatre from 8 December to 17 January.

Who is in the cast of Twelfth Night 2025?

Confirmed casting for Twelfth Night includes Freema Agyeman (Doctor Who, Romeo and Juliet, White Rabbit Red Rabbit) as Olivia, Samuel West (Slow Horses, Howards End, Notting Hill) as Malvolio and Michael Grady-Hall (The Wonderful World of Dissocia) as Feste – all reprising their roles from the production’s 2024 run with the Royal Shakespeare Company. Further casting is to be announced. 

How to book tickets for Twelfth Night

You can book tickets for Twelfth Night using the booking button on this page. When booking, you can select your desired seats and view ticket prices for this limited-run production.

What time are the performances?

The evening performance of Twelfth Night usually takes place from Mondays to Saturdays at 7.15pm.

Twelfth Night matinees take place on various dates throughout the run, including Saturdays at 1.30pm.

What is the running time of Twelfth Night?

The running time for Twelfth Night is 2 hours and 55 minutes, including a 20-minute interval.

Barbican Theatre venue details

The Barbican Theatre is located inside the main Barbican building on Silk Street (EC2Y 8DS). Head to the ground floor and follow directions to the theatre. 

How to get there:  

• Underground – The nearest Tube station is Barbican (Circle, Hammersmith & City, and Metropolitan lines), which is just a four-minute walk from the venue. Other nearby Tube stations include Moorgate (Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan, and Northern lines), Farringdon (Elizabeth, Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan lines) and St Paul’s (Central line).  
• Bus – The following buses stop nearby: 4, 21, 43, 56, 76,100, 141, 153. 
• Cycle – Hire a Santander Cycles bike and ride to the Barbican. Docking stations can be found at the Barbican Centre, as well as on Fore Street, Bunhill Row, Aldersgate Street and West Smithfield.

What is the age recommendation for this show?

The show is suitable for all ages – please bear in mind the show’s duration if attending with younger children.

What other shows can I see in London?

Step into the whimsical world of My Neighbour Totoro at the Gillian Lynne Theatre, where puppetry and imagination bring Studio Ghibli’s beloved tale to life. Or discover the twists and turns of The Mousetrap, Agatha Christie’s legendary murder mystery at St. Martin’s Theatre.