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30 June 2010

Theatre Review: The Comedy of Errors, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre

The Comedy of Errors, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
Philip Franks’ lively, but slightly disjointed production of Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors is currently showing at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. I have seen numerous Shakespeare productions here, and this one was truly unique. The production is set in 1940s Casablanca and features a generous amount of silliness, music, dance and wit.

Shakespeare’s play is about two pairs of identical twins, one pair of masters (Antipholus and Antipholus) and one of slaves (Dromio and Dromio)..The twins are separated early in life, making two Antipholus-Dromio sets. Don’t expect to find out why the twins have the same name, their parents must be pretty lacking in imagination...

25 years on they end up in the same town and mistaken identity immediately ensues. Beatings, theft, jealousy, high jinks, rage, and yet more beatings follow but there is a happy ending to be had. I shan’t reveal the details!

The Comedy of Errors, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre second half
The first musical number is bright, witty and enjoyable, however the continual song and dance numbers, and questionable costumes and endless silliness make you think you’ve stepped into a Simon Pegg wet dream.

This production, set in the open air in London’s beautiful Regent’s Park, was fun, fast-paced and made Shakespeare incredibly accessible.

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