The Comedy of Errors

Frodsham Players were back on stage with their annual outdoor summer production. This year’s offering was William Shakespeare’s ‘The Comedy of Errors’. Directed by Tony Boyd-Williams, this was performed in the round in the courtyard of Castle Park Arts Centre, under a marquee (beneficial if the weather was not good!). As well as directing, Tony had adapted the script, turning it into a concise, snappy comedy, whilst still keeping the true essence of Shakespeare. The opening provided the audience a quick introduction of some of the characters we would meet. The use of the group of children as a mime troupe was an interesting concept, which added to the Merchant of Syracuse’s retelling of the shipwreck, which separated his family. All members of the cast were in character as soon as they were visible to the audience, as they journeyed to the performing space. The timings of the entrances and exits were well handled, meaning that scenes flowed into each other and the pace was kept up. The farcical moments of the play made the audience laugh out loud, which is certainly what you want with a comedy. The stage had rugs on the floor and trunks dotted around, allowing the actors to sit and stand on them creating different levels. There were rugs hung above, representing the market, as well as blue material, representing the sea.

Due to it being performed outdoors, there was no need for any lighting elements. Incidental music and sound effects were cued well, adding an additional layer to the production.

The costumes and makeup were very good throughout. The mime troupe was suitably attired, the military attire of Solinus showing his status, and the matching costumes of both sets of twins worked well.

Andrew Wilson played Antipholus of Syracuse. This was a great performance, full of humour. The double takes to the audience were spot on. Andrew worked well with the rest of the cast and has a great stage presence. Don’t be afraid to be still, and hold it, on stage.

Sue Southern as Dromio of Syracuse worked well with Andrew. Sue brought a good physicality to the role, providing many a comic moment. The scene where she spoke in a range of accents was particularly funny. This was a great performance.

Ian Lancaster played Antipholus of Ephesus, the twin brother. Again, this was a great performance from Ian. It was full of confidence and Ian was able to play the comedic moments well.

Carol Crooks played Dromio of Ephesus and was suitably funny in the role. Similarly to Sue, Carol brought a good physicality to the role. It was confidently played, with Carol working well with the rest of the cast.

Sophie Flowers gave an assured performance as Adriana. Sophie was comfortable with the text, playing the exasperated wife well. She had good command of the stage and was able to hold the audience’s attention.

Rosie Hannah played Luciana. Again, this was an assured performance. Rosie played the conflicted sister well, and had a good stage presence.

Murray Milligan played Solinus with authority. He had a good grasp of the text, with some great projection.

David Leslie played Egeon. David told the story of the shipwreck well, adding some pathos to the role. The audience were definitely on his side in the search of his sons. The moment when the family reconciled was a touching moment.

Carole Shinkfield played Aemilia. This was a sincere performance, and it was totally believable that Aemilia had been separated from her family due to Carole’s great acting.

Olivia Mannion played Luce. Olivia did well with this small role, adding some humour to proceedings. The characterisation was good.

Cherlyn Sparkes and Jac Wardle worked well together as Balthasar and Angelo respectively. They were line assured and helped move the story along.

Louise Doyle played Another Merchant. Louise sustained a Scouse accent throughout, and added to the humour, especially in the chase scene.

Martina Keith-Stewart was funny as the inept Officer. She brought this character to life with great facial expressions and a good physicality.

Julia Burgess gave a great interpretation of the Courtesan – very much a femme fatale! It was a confident performance.

David Varley gave us an absolute barmy Doctor Pinch! He quite literally threw himself into the character, sustaining it whenever he was on stage. David gave the audience plenty to laugh at with this cameo role.

The mime troupe, made up of Chloe Hardwick, Hannah Boote, Grace Butler, Nia Sconce, Cara Sconce and Felicity Logue, maintained their focus throughout. They did well to retell the shipwreck through mime.

Overall, this was a very good production, with great comedy moments, some outstanding performances, and assured direction.

Thank you to Frodsham Players for their kind invite and hospitality. All the best for your next production, ‘Breaking the Code’, later this year.

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