If you're after an unforgettable evening then definitely make the trip to The Historic Village for Summer Shakespeare Tauranga's inaugural production of Twelfth Night.

The city's newest theatre troupe have arrived onto the scene with a slick production of The Bard's well-loved comedy which is being presented on The Lawn down at the village until February 13.

Summer Shakespeare Tauranga presents ‘Twelfth Night' on The Lawn at the Historic Village until February 13. From left: Ginevra Wohlstadt as Fabian, Michael Hayles as Antonio, Craig Teaz as Sir Toby Belch and Gin Mabey as Viola. Photo: Cindy Pate/APS Photography

This showhas it all – romance, mistaken identities, trials and tribulations, as well as crossdressing escapades – and will have you laughing heartily and feeling loved well into the warm summer night.

Congratulations to director Dylan Frewin and producers Pascal and Nadine Tibbits who've not only assembled a wonderful cast for Twelfth Night but also crafted a show which starts off great, is magnificent in the middle and enthralling by the end.

The first thing that impressed me was the set SST created with help from The Incubator and Tauranga's Habitat for Humanity ReStore. It looks both fantastic and lush, and when coupled with sound effects for certain scenes, worlds within a world are created.

While the cast of Twelfth Night is more proof of the depth of remarkable talent we have here in Tauranga. From the practiced hands to those treading the boards for the first time, each and every actor in this show has their moment where they sparkle and shine brightly.

In fact, I'm in awe of how many standout performances were offered up in Twelfth Night.

Two notable actors for me were Gin Mabey (Viola) and Nadine Tibbits (Lady Olivia) who both showed such confidence, vibrancy and joy in their deliveries that it was truly a pleasure to watch them share the stage with each other.

Nadine Tibbits as Lady Olivia and Gin Mabey as Viola. Photo: Cindy Pate/APS Photography

Andrew McKenzie (Duke Orsino) is also solid as the love-sick lord. It was fun to watch Duke Orsino making wild declarations of love for the Lady Olivia, who in turn falls head-over heels in love/lust for the crossdressing Viola, whose object of affection is her lord the Duke Orsinio.

And you thought your love life was complicated.

While Stephen Ormsby (Malvolio), David Holt (Sir Andrew Aguecheek), Craig Teaz (Sir Toby Belch) and Shirin White (Maria) also deserve special mention as they had the audience spellbound. Their performances packed so much punch I had a sore face from laughing. They certainly thrusted their greatness upon the audience.

I also greatly enjoyed watching Jess Ghaemaghamy (Feste) on stage who not only gave a vibrant and energetic performance, but a song or too with her remarkable voice. Another favourite moment was watching Jese team up with Olivia Donaldson (Curio/Officer) on piano for the song 'Come away, come away death'.

Well done to the cast and crew of Summer Shakespeare Tauranga, I loved your inaugural performance and wait with baited breath to see what is yet to follow in the years to come.

Summer Shakespeare Tauranga Twelfth Night on The Lawn at the Historic Village until February 13. Tickets available online from Eventfinda or for more information visit: www.summershakespearetauranga.org.nz

The cast of Twelfth Night, back from left: Eden Smith, Michael Hayles, Andrew McKenzie, Nadine Tibbits, Grayson Teaz, Craig Teaz, David Holt, Stephen Ormsby, Stella Cooke and Shirin White. Front rom from left: Millie Gofrey, Olivia Donaldson, Jess Ghaemaghamy, Ginevra Wohlstadt and Gin Mabey. Photo: JP Joubert