The comedy is so uproarious it takes two directors to handle the talented cast in Gamm’s version of Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night.”

Artistic Director Tony Estrella and his co-director Rachel Walshe have combined to direct the comedy to new and innovative heights.

Shakespeare uses comic relief to advance his stories of love, mistaken identities and deceit.

Gamm’s version puts the comic relief first, treating the audience to three of the most outrageously funny performances ever seen on Rhode Island stages.

You know the story. Twins are lost at sea and end up in the kingdom of Illyria. Mistaken identities lead to misunderstandings and requited love. Comic characters are added to enhance the story.

The love affairs and adventures of Viola and Sebastian (Alison Russo and Michael Liebhauser) play second fiddle to the antics of Jeff Church as Sir Andrew and Sir Toby Belch (Kelby Akin) as they team up to muddy the waters.

Church is a master at physical comedy, sure to accumulate a few bumps and bruises from his antics.

Following Shakespeare’s familiar theme of “Things aren’t always as they appear to be,” our directors have made the role of Malvolio a gender bending female.

Deb Martin literally stops the show twice with thunderous applause for her performance. Her expressions, her body language, her voice, her pauses at just the right moments!

I seldom laugh out loud, but Martin had me, and the rest of the audience in stitches. And then there’s her final scene!

Not to be overlooked is the unique scenery created by Patrick Lynch, using two large crates that open into rooms. Hard to describe; you must see it. David T. Howard, the talented costume designer, has outdone himself. Especially with Malvolio’s garish dress in the final scenes.

Music is used at the right times, thanks to Nora Eshenhaimer’s piano and stringed instrument playing, along with her acting and singing.

If you are a Shakespeare purist, loosen up. Playing gender games and giving a new look to the old “note ending up in the wrong hands” plot twist are but two techniques used to make this “Twelfth Night” the best Shakespeare to reach Rhode Island’s shore in a long time.

Twelfth Night is at Warwick’s Gamm Theatre, 1245 Jefferson Blvd., Warwick through April 14. Call 723-4266 for tickets.