Full cast announced for Twelfth Night at the Barbican

Emmie Newitt 6 November, 2025, 14:41

The Royal Shakespeare Company's production of Twelfth Night, directed by Prasanna Puwanarajah, heads to London in December following a critically acclaimed and sold-out run in Stratford-upon-Avon earlier this year.

twelfth night barbican cast Gwyneth Keyworth Daniel Monks, Michael Grady-Hall and Freema Agyeman. Headshots provided by production.

Featuring striking designs by James Cotterill, this production brings together returning favourites and new talent to the stage in this limited run at the Barbican.

Gwyneth Keyworth (Death Valley) is set to reprise her critically acclaimed role as Viola and will be joined by Daniel Monks (Pulse), who makes his RSC debut as Orsino. They join the previously announced cast members Freema Agyeman (Doctor Who) as Olivia, Michael Grady-Hall (Venice Preserved) as Feste, and Samuel West (Slow Horses) as Malvolio.

Completing the cast is Emily Benjamin as Priest, Norman Bowman as Antonio, George Fletcher as Second Officer/Orsino’s Attendant, Demetri Goritsas as Sir Andrew Aguecheek, Danielle Henry as Maria, Michael Lyle as First Officer/Orsino’s Attendant, Cat McKeever as Sea Captain, Daniel Millar as Fabian, Reece Miller as Orsino’s Attendant, Charlotte O’Leary as Olivia’s Woman, Thom Petty as Curio, Rhys Rusbatch as Sebastian, Joplin Sibtain as Sir Toby Belch, Tom Sowinski as Orsino’s Attendant, and David Whitworth as Valentine.

Director, Prasanna Puwanarajah said, “I’m delighted that our production of Twelfth Night is coming back to life this winter. The Stratford run was busy and buzzy and the Barbican is such an iconic place to play a Shakespeare play. I’m looking forward to getting back in the rehearsal room with this incredible company of performers and creatives, including new family member Daniel Monks this time around. Christmas is a time of year to be together and laugh, and also to remember people. I’m so happy to say that this production really delivered this for audiences last year. Please come and see us and bring those you know and love."

The creative team reunites under Puwanarajah’s direction. It consists of Lighting Designers Bethany Gupwell and Zoe Spurr, Composer Matt Maltese, Sound Designer George Dennis, Movement Director Polly Bennett, Casting Director Matthew Dewsbury CDG and Associate Director Zoë Templeman-Young.

The story follows Viola, a woman who survives a shipwreck and washes up on an unknown shore. Alone and bereaved of her twin brother, she embarks on a secret new life as a go-between for two people in the extremity of love and grief. Caught up in the ensuing love triangle with Duke Orsino and Countess Olivia, she experiences the chaos and humanity of unexpected love.

Twelfth Night plays at Barbican from 8 December 2025 to 17 January 2026.

Twelfth Night Tickets