The Comedy Of Errors

The Comedy Of Errors at National Theatre, Olivier

Why see The Comedy Of Errors?

What are the chances? Two sets of twins, who were separated at birth find themselves in the same city for one crazy day. While they don't meet each other, everyone who meets them is thoroughly confused, leading to all manner of bizarre and infuriating mistakes. More confused than anyone are Antipholus and Dromio of Syracuse who, outsiders in a new metropolis, find themselves both treated to baffling gift and treated with extreme hostility. Meanwhile Aegeon, father of the Antipholus twins, who was searching for his sons, has been captured as an illegal immigrant and sentenced to death at sunset.

This new production of The Comedy Of Errors, directed by the Royal Court's Artistic Director Dominic Cooke, places the action in a contemporary setting.

Lenny Henry, who leads the cast of The Comedy Of Errors is best known as a comedian, though after a long career making people laugh, he made his Shakespearean debut in the title role of the Northern Broadside's production of Othello which played in London in 2009.

Cast

Lenny Henry
Chris Jarman
Lucian Msamati
Joseph Mydell
Pamela Nomvete
Daniel Poyser
Amit Shah
Michelle Terry

Creative

Author: William Shakespeare
Director: Dominic Cooke
Music By: Gary Yershon
Designer: Bunny Christie
Lighting Designer: Paule Constable
Movement Director: Ann Yee
Sound: Christopher Shutt

Reviews

Customer reviews

Ramona Mitrica

Shakespeare in the park

great summer evening out. I enjoyed the show a lot. excellent live music. good acting, especially Joseph Kloska as the Dromio of Syracuse. I liked the idea of setting the play in the Casablanca of the 1940s. ... Read more

S. Kuypers

Classic Comedy in Casablanca.

If you're looking for a great night out, A Comedy of Errors at the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre is definitely a worthy contender. As with many Shakespearean comedies, it thrives on mistaken identities, miscommunication and mad dashes across the stage. The director, Philip Franks, does a great reimagining of the play by placing it in 1940's Casablanca, creating a simple yet effective set, and the opportunity to add a few musical numbers, which contrary to expectation only add to the great atmosphere. It starts off a bit slow, but the cast soon get into it, and especially the second half shines with humour and good old-fashioned Shakespearean witticisms. This really is a group performance, and even the minor characters get plenty of chances to show themselves off. The banter between the two sets of twins is especially amusing, and Adriana has some fantastics bits to shine with. If the weather plays nice, this is a must-be stop on your way to creating a memorable summer! ... Read more

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