Comedy of Errors

I was genuinely so pleased to see C.A.T.S. have returned to last years outdoor venue, of Hales Hall, Cheadle, It really is a wonderful event, in a welcoming atmosphere an almost perfect summers evening to present us with Shakespeare's A Comedy of Errors.

The plot of this Greek Tragedy is but simple farce, a case of mistaken identity, though thusly obvious to audience watcher one and all, on following an introductory dialogue from Egeon, Jason Greenwood, a cautionary tragic tale of loss of his twin sons and their twin friends, separated many years hence in a storm at sea, with as far as he woth aware only one survivor of each twin, which he raised.

The timing of the ever involved events in the script set to befuddle all around, as accusations fly as one error builds on another encircling all present in this humorous ageless dalliance.

A tragic tale true, time hath provided well for each of his sons, with each friend bound as servant, giving forth much mirth, nay merriment, twixt its meetings of new visitors who in so resembling completely well know citizens thereof, are mistaken thusly, in hilarity by family, friends, traders and populace, as to warrant further spectatorship thereof.

Andrew Farrington, Directors this story of citizen bafflement, one of Shakespeare's best loved comedies. Set in a modern Greek town, with a simple street cafe/shop front styled set which added to the charm of the production. The none-scripted acting of the likes of Samantha Hughes-Johnson's Nell, the fearsome, greasy cook, there words not mine, together with the enticing teasing kitchen maid Luce, Miriam Hermolle was a new level of distraction, so much so I almost felt sorry for Andrew Farrington's Dromio, well almost!

The two Antipholus characters portrayed by Rich Gilbert and Dane Ede Smith similarly with the two Dromio's, Zachery Bethell and Andrew Farrington, had swathes of dialogue to deliver, which they all did with much aplomb, the confusion they create amongst their peers was sheer genius to observe.

Two of the main interactions are with Adriana the bewildered agonising wife of Antipholus, played by Charlie Brown, together with her sister Luciana, Melanie James. Both worked these roles admirably, although I'm glad I wasn't on the receiving end of Luciana's deadly knee. Did I mention physical action?

There is also the dealings with Goldsmiths Angelo, Megan Hermolle, together with Balthazar, Samuel Stephens over the purchase and payment of a necklace, wrought sheer desperation for all involved.

Some great physical action between Doctor Pinch, Samuel Stephens and the Antipholus of Rich Gilbert or was it Dan Ede Smith? I did say confusion ensued. This was great particularly as we were so close to the action. I'm sure bruises would have been a plenty come the run end.

The seemingly ubiquitous ABBA songs covering scene changes utilising the voices of the supporting cast broke the tension of the story. So to the cast ascertaining assistance for Zorba's dance from the audience at the start of Act II.

Another great evenings entertainment from a highly competent cast, playing to their strengths and as did the audience, thoroughly enjoying Shakespeare in the almost open air.

 

 

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