University Players will stage William Shakespeare’s classic combination of shipwreck, mistaken identity, unrequited love, and fools who speak the truth, Twelfth Night, March 24 to April 2 in the Essex Hall Theatre.

“The play is hilarious and silly, but at its centre are characters — both heroes and clowns — dealing with the excruciating grief of loss or the ache of unrequited love,” says director Yanna Mcintosh.

This production is set on Brighton Beach in the Victorian era, with staging inspired by the iconic bandstand that still stands today.

Mcintosh describes working with the young cast as both invigorating and exhausting.

“It is thrilling to see burgeoning talent, but it is breathtaking to see someone simply take courage, connect to their breath, find their voice, step into their body, understand in a way that makes them want to seek to know more.”

Evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Student tickets are just $10; get more details and visit the box office on the University Players website.