Malvolio's Yellow Stockings - the iconic letter scene from Twelfth Night (Act 2 Scene 5)

On Shakespeare, garters and the death of diction

Dec 28, 2025

Unbeknownst to pretty much everyone, I have a love of Shakespearian language, and in the later hours of the night, like a secret lemonade drinker, you will sometimes find me in my study armed with a glass of red wine reading passages aloud.

Never mind uncontrolled mass immigration changing the demography of the UK, the decline of great British institutions or 20+ years of abject political failure, what about the fact that when you see Shakespeare at the Globe, the National Theatre, RSC et al, barely anyone lucky enough to be treading the boards there is capable of uttering a single line and making it sound natural.

To be or not to be, innit?
Know what I mean?

So when newly formed theatre company The Base asked if I would like to be part of their Project 39 - 39 Shakespeare plays, here’s a speech from each of them - I had to hold myself back from biting their hands off.

After some discussion, I got Malvolio’s iconic letter scene from Twelfth Night (Act 2, Scene 5): ‘Tis but fortune’ - best known perhaps for Malvolio’s yellow stockings.

I didn’t think it made much sense out of context, but, to my surprise, the speech blew up on X and got over 70,000 views, by the time you cobble them all together. My faith in the cultural appetite of humankind is restored.

So I thought I would share it with you today, as it’s Christmas and all that - something a little more cultured than my usual oeuvre - and Twelfth Night is barely a week away.

I hope you enjoy it - and please share it if you do.

Watch how the actor makes 400-year-old lines completely natural - a rare talent indeed. And also note: all in one take.

We recorded the Seven Ages of Man as well - so keep a look out for that.

The Base is trying to get bums on the seats of their YouTube channel. Here is a link, if you fancy subscribing.

Meanwhile, lots of shows coming up in the spring, some already on the verge of selling out. Here’s the list:

📅 Shows coming up

At time of writing it’s as follows, but if you are reading this in the future the full updated list is here.

London, Jan 21, Crazy Coqs. Tickets here (SOLD OUT - waiting list only)
Stafford, Feb 26, Gatehouse. Tickets here.
Leeds, Feb 27, HiFi Club. Tickets here.
Manchester, Feb 28, Reform fundraiser. More info soon.
London, March 4, Crazy Coqs. Tickets here (These sell out quickly)
Lincoln, March 5, The Engine Shed. Tickets here.
Oxford, March 6, Glee. Tickets here (Not many left)
Leicester, March 12, Just the Tonic at Peter’s Pizzeria. Tickets here.
Lichfield, March 13, Garrick. Tickets here.
Southend, March 26, Palace Theatre. Tickets here (Not many left)
Guildford, March 28, G Live. Tickets here (Not many left)
Swindon, April 18, Swindon Arts Centre. Tickets here.
Bretforton (near Evesham), April 19, Theatre Barn, Tickets here (Early bird discount)