This has so many things that make my feet crumble; mistaken identities, mocking of innocent (although obnoxious) subjects, trickery and wrong assumptions.

I'm no good with comedies.

I love to watch them when I go to the theatre, but beside that? No. I get so stressed out about it. JUST GET TOGETHER ALREADY, TURKEY-COCKS (actual phrase from the play. I love you, William).

This play is funny, though, it has some excellent lines ("Contemplation makes a rare turkey-cock of him" or "My purpose is, indeed, a horse of that colour") and the set up is magnificent - again I listened to it as a radioplay while reading it which I highly recommend.

The thing about this play is that the side story with Maria, Toby, Andrew and Malvolio really vexes me. I don't like it at all. I've watched this on stage once, and even then it was only bearable for me - funny yes, but with a, for my part, hysterical, desperate edge to it. I simply can't stand mocking or abuse of innocent (thought somewhat obnoxious) people like that - and then giving all of them, save the abused, a happy ending? No thanks, man. I wish it took up much less space.

I absolutely adore the Sebastian/Antonio parts and fervently wish there was more of those two instead. Their friendship, however briefly looked into, still comes off as something spectacular. I also really care for Viola's character, and if this play had been all about her and her brother, including Duke Orsino, Olivia and Antonio, it would have gotten 5 stars easily.

Alas, that's not the lay of the land. It's still an excellent play, the three stars have nothing to do with the quality - it's funny, enjoyable and witty - they're merely an expression of personal taste.