6 cartoon adolescents sitting under a banner that says The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

Twelfth Night
March 13-22, 2025

By William Shakespeare
Directed by Fran Gebhard

In the magical realm of Shakespeare’s Illyria, Director Fran Gebhard offers a fresh interpretation of the timeless comedy. Shipwrecked and separated from her twin brother Sebastian, Viola disguises herself as a young man to serve Duke Orsino. What follows is a whirlwind of romantic entanglements, mischievous pranks, mistaken identity and hilarious misunderstandings.

Gebhard’s vision transports the audience to a future era, post-climate change, where traditional gender roles blur. Amidst wit, humour, and poetic language, the play explores love’s transformative power and the delightful chaos of reality and illusion.

 

Fran Gebhard, Director

Fran acted in both theatre and film for many years before turning her attention to directing. She received her MFA in directing from UBC in 2001. Select UVic directing credits include Dead Man’s Cell Phone, Problem Child, The School For Scandal, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Les Liaisons Dangereuses and 7 Stories. Favourites for other theatres include Heirlooms and Baggage, As You Like It, For The Pleasure of Seeing Her Again, Much Ado About Nothing and The Importance of Being Earnest. Fran has long been associated with developing new Canadian work and has served as the Program Head of the Playwrights Colony at the Banff Centre for many years.

Acting is Fran’s first love, and her most memorable roles include Brutus in Julius Caesar, Lady Wishfort in The Way of the World, Elizabeth in Richard III, Joanne in Norm Foster’s Jupiter in July, and Martha in Joan MacLeod’s Amigo’s Blue Guitar. She regularly performs her one-woman show, Looking For Kitty and has hosted her own radio and TV talk shows. Film and TV credits include appearances on The Chris Isaak Show, Stephen King’s Dead Zone, Friday’s Curse and Moment of Truth. She played Bette Davis’ daughter-in-law in A Piano For Mrs. Cimino and was nominated for a Genie award for her work in Blue City Slammers. During Blue Bridge Repertory Theatre’s inaugural season, Fran also performed in As You Like It and The Fantasticks.

Teaching has become a focus in Fran’s life – she loves sharing her passion for theatre with the next generation of talented and energetic theatre professionals.

William Shakespeare, Playwright

William Shakespeare, born in 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, is celebrated as one of the greatest playwrights and poets in history. His enduring works, including plays like Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet and Macbeth, have captivated audiences for centuries with their profound insights into the human condition, complex characters, and timeless themes. Shakespeare’s innovative use of language, mastery of dramatic structure, and profound understanding of humanity have solidified his legacy as the Bard of Avon. His influence extends far beyond his era, shaping literature, theatre, and culture worldwide, ensuring his immortality as one of the most significant figures in English literature.

View a complete timeline of Shakespeare’s plays

 

Show Dates

Calendar of performance dates for Twelfth Night

 

Performances
Tuesday to Saturday evenings at 8 p.m.
Saturday matinees at 2 p.m.

Tickets

Subscription packages are available now.

Single Tickets for this show are available on March 3.

Charge by phone: 250-721-8000
or in person at the Phoenix Box Office
(online ticket purchases are not available)

Box Office Hours

  • Friday & Saturday Evenings:
    All Seats $34
  • Wednesday, Thursday Evenings & Saturday Matinees:
    All Seats $30
  • Cheap Tuesdays:
    All Seats $18
  • Student Rush Tickets:
    30 minutes before each show $20
  • UVic Alumni:
    Saturday Matinees $25 (with UVic Alumni ONECard)

Performed in the Chief Dan George Theatre

Image of the seating map for the Chief Dan George Theatre.

 

 

Cast & Creative

A full cast and creative team list will be posted in the fall.

Lecture

Preshow Lecture: Friday, March 14 at 7 p.m.

Join us on the first Friday for a guest lecture about themes in the play.

Lectures are free and everyone is welcome, no matter which performance you have tickets for. The lectures are also recorded and audio files are posted here when available. 

Advisories

Relevant advisories will be posted here. We sometimes receive advisories closer to the production dates. Please inquire at the box office if you have questions or concerns.