COMEDY OF ERRORS: till 25 October
Bristol
THE COMEDY OF ERRORS: William Shakespeare
Bristol Old Vic King Street: Tkts: 0117 987 7877 www.bristol-old-vic.co.uk
Running Time 2 hours 15 minutes, one interval: till October 25
Review: Stewart McGill 10 October 2003
You think you know the play and then along comes a production like this and you begin to question everything once more . . .
The revival of Bristol Old Vic as a major force in classical drama continues with David Farr's Kafkaesque and slightly surreal treatment of Shakespeare's early comedy of illusion and mayhem. This production places the action in a framework of a strange European city of the mind where the darker elements of the play can also work as well as the zany antics of two sets of twins.
Farr is clearly influenced by silent movies, physical comedy and Keaton but he does not allow a very physical style to overshadow some penetrating questions. As we watch the comedy unfold we ask....with Antipholus and Dromio squared...Who am I..? Is there a reality and if so where is my reality..?
The production is beautifully designed by Ti Green, lit by Hartley TA Kemp with an evocative music score by Keith Clouston and given the intimacy of the King Street auditorium brings the world of Ephesus into the reach of everyone. This is a strong creative team and one that is committed to ongoing explorations of the theatres spaces and rediscovery of classics.
The company is strongly cast throughout...Paul Ready's Dromio of Syracuse is a wonderful clown and brings a madcap timing to the role superbly partnered by Christopher Staines as Antipholus. Phillipa Peak and Daisy Haggard as Adriana and Luciana also bring a freshness to these roles helping create a sense of rediscovery. That's always the problem with the popular Shakespeares...you think you know them and then along comes a production like this and you begin to question once more the themes that Shakespeare was to fully develop in later plays.
Bristol Old Vic are clearly winning new audiences with their dynamic and engaging
programme. David Farr is an Artistic Director of vision who seems to be working is way through the Shakespearian canon with a loving eye for rediscovery. Catch this while you can...it has a limited lifetime in the city.
Egeon/Pinch: Will Tacey
Gaoler/Officer: Stuart Crossman
Second Officer: Thomas Bailey
Balthasar/First Merchant/Second Merchant: Patrick Romer
Antipholus of Syracuse: Christopher Staines
Dromio of Syracuse: Paul Ready
Dromio of Ephesus: Mark Rice-Oxley
Adriana: Phillipa Peak
Luciana: Daisy Haggard
Antipholus of Ephesus: Daniel Betts
Angelo: Andrew Melville
Courtesan: Rebecca Smart
Aemilia: Sheila Ballantine
Director: David Farr
Designer: Ti Green
Lighting: Hartley T A Kemp
Composer: Keith Clouston
Sound Designer: Jason Barnes
2003-10-12 13:38:16