The Comedy of Errors

This was a play I knew nothing about and I took the decision not to look anything up before I saw the performance so everything about it was new. Richard Pink’s clever direction meant I was immediately caught up in the story of separated twins, mistaken identities and in this version, opposing footballing cities. The football aspect enabled Richard to add in some modern and relevant ideas, particularly as this was World Cup time. All of the gags felt well placed and appropriate and I enjoyed the hydration break, VAR comment, magic sponge, foam position line, chants, commentary and injury time.  The use of the Merchant, played as a wide boy by Adam Miles, ensured we understood the mix up over the football shirts and he even offered us a bargain.

The cast were very confident in their understanding and delivery of the text making it easy for the audience to follow the absurd but funny story. Even with aeroplanes flying overhead their projection was good.

Granville Rush set the bar high as Aegeon. His first scene involved a long but clear speech that set the scene for us and explained the rivalry between the two teams. The Duchess Solinus, Sally Fenton, was suitably calm and in control of the situation in her ref’s kit.

The Syracuse Antipholus and Dromio worked well together. Jack Stevens gave us clear dialogue with good story-telling and excellent facial expressions, he coped very well with a props mishap. Holly Featherstone was his enthusiastic and loyal servant who became more bemused as the play went on.

Lewis Hayter and Ellie Barton-Mather were the Ephesus pair, another good team. Lewis changed from confident master to annoyed, confused and questioning. Ellie, as Dromio, had very good physicality and obviously enjoyed every moment.

Corrina Graham-Hodson was very funny as the lusty Adriana, the bawdy scene when she mistook the wrong twin for her husband was excellent. Her sister, Luciana, was played with kindness, and a gentle humour by Freya Leslie.

All of the supporting roles were equally confident and helped move the story on. Sarah French was a cheeky courtesan, Jonathan Whitmore an unnerving Dr Pinch and Eileen Dooley unravelled the tangled plot as the saintly Lady Abbess. I liked the decision to make the Officers say their lines at the same time, it made them more of a unit and helped the humour. Alan Randall’s Brummie accent was just right for Angelo, the gold merchant.

Just having a screen and a door released the cast to concentrate on their performances and physicality and the window in the door was used to great comic effect. The hanging signs used to denote a change of location ensured that the audience was never left behind.

The two teams were clearly marked by the colours they wore and the printed team shirts were a very good idea. There was nothing subtle about the accessories and jewellery chosen which again made it clear we were allowed to find them funny.

There were a few appropriate sound effects but as this was an outdoor afternoon performance no lighting was required and there was no amplification.

This was a wonderful way to spend a sunny afternoon and my guest and I thoroughly enjoyed the performance. We were given a warm welcome, chatted to the Director and some of the cast and had a great view of the action. Bravo Water Lane Theatre Company, an excellent production.

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