The Comedy of Errors at the Greenwich Playhouse Theatre
Apologies for the long absence, the New Year has certainly started with a bang and we have been pulled in all directions. But different directions can often be a good thing, as they offer variety, something we are particularly fond of, it is after all the spice of life!
Valentine’s day is on Monday, to some this is a dreadful over-commercialised affair and for the main part, I have to agree. I mean, you should show your loved one that you adore them all year right? OK, perhaps not every day, this might be rather impossible for even the most devoted couple, unless the couple in question are golden retrievers:)
If you dislike schmaltz and prefer something a bit more low-key but no less of a display, then I have one word for you: theatre. And what better than seeing a play which features a little bit of love, a lot of laughs and all-round confusion?
I had the pleasure to see the Comedy of Errors last week at The Greenwich Playhouse Theatre. This was a welcome ending to a busy day, antidote to being a year older and an all-together perfect way to spend some fun time with a couple of friends in a casual environment.
I never tire of Shakespeare’s works – whether a tragedy or comedy – they are timeless and universal. Where a play can get into trouble is in its adaptation and, of course, in the performances that bring to life the play. Not so with director Bryn Holding’s version, which combined all round excellent performances and an imaginative and flexible stage set.
The play is set not in ancient Ephesus – but has a rather 1950’s English seaside feel to it. The opening scene has Egeon, played by Kenneth Jay, setting the context for the rest of the play: facing execution for being a merchant from Syracuse present in the city of Ephesus (contrary to the law), he explains his presence in the city as one of seeking the whereabouts of his son Antipholus and his servant, Dromio, whom themselves came to Ephesus seeking their long lost twin brothers. His performance is strong and commanding, and a good indication of the quality of performances to follow.
For those not familiar with the plot, Antipholus and his servant come to Ephesus and are perhaps a little too successful in their mission of finding their long lost siblings – as they effectively walk into their twin’s lives! It turns out that both sets of twins are known as Antipholus and Dromio, causing much confusion and bewilderment when there are effectively four people living the lives of two. Comedic moments abound when Antipholus of Syracuse is nearly seduced by his twin’s wife and when Antipholus of Ephesus is arrested for taking, without payment, a gold chain from Angelo, the Goldsmith.
There are many hysterical moments and the play has a great feel-good ending where the cause of all the strange and confusing events is revealed – the twins gain siblings and Egeon a son and, indeed, his long lost wife.
The play itself, being one of Shakespeare’s first but also shortest, is performed brilliantly. Dromio of Syrecuse is tremendously funny and Adriana, Antipholus of Ephesus’ wife, excellent in her portrayal of a woman desperately worried about having lost her appeal to her husband.
For those of you that enjoy Shakespeare and, equally, for the uninitiated, I would recommend this as a must see – and at this fantastic fringe theatre which offers an intimate and fun atmosphere.
Till next time, take care
xx
