4MBS Classic FM’s Brisbane Festival of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night production

(Note: Remarks were delivered by Professor Graeme Nimmo RFD on Her Excellency's behalf)

British Consul General in Queensland, Mr Richard Cowin; Chair of 4MBS, Mr Raph Devlin; Board Member, Ms Leslie Martin-Nightingale; General Manager, Mr Gary Thorpe OAM; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.  

I begin by also acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to any First Nations people here tonight. 

My wife, Her Excellency the Governor, who is Patron of 4MBS Classic FM, is regrettably unable to attend tonight’s performance due to competing Vice-Regal commitments in Toowoomba, however she sends her best wishes for a most enjoyable evening. 

Nevertheless, I am delighted to have this opportunity–as they say in the Scottish Play–to “steal her thunder” by addressing you this evening in her stead. 

And it is only fitting that I temporarily perform her role, as Twelfth Night is a play about love, laughter, joyful chaos, and mistaken identity. To quote a line from tonight’s play: “some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them”. 

However, I am also very aware that “brevity is the soul of wit”. 

In all seriousness, my wife and I have both long enjoyed attending 4MBS’s Festival of Classics and this much-cherished annual Brisbane Shakespeare Festival, which is now in its nineteenth year. 

Having already attended several plays over the years as part of this Festival, including Antony and Cleopatra, The Tempest, and Romeo and Juliet, I can attest that we are in for a real treat tonight. 

As Shakespeare’s most beloved romantic comedy, Twelfth Night has been often described as the greatest play ever written.  

Through this production you will find that its director and stellar cast of actors and crew are splendid examples of the world-class talent we have in our midst in Queensland.  

Many of them have worked and performed overseas but are here with us tonight so we can experience their magic first-hand at this wonderful Roma Street amphitheatre. 

Tonight’s performance also speaks to the enduring power of Shakespeare––and to the remarkable dedication of the team at 4MBS Classic FM who work tirelessly to ensure our community has access to such high-quality, and highly accessible, theatre. 

Finally, thank you to everyone involved in making the Brisbane Shakespeare Festival possible, including you, the audience, for supporting live theatre.  

Your presence strengthens the arts in our community and ensures stories like Twelfth Night continue to be told. 

I trust you enjoy tonight’s play, and once again thank 4MBS Classic FM for hosting this remarkable evening.