Lydia and Manfred Gorvy Garden Theatre – until 26 September 2021
Reviewed by Megan Raynor
4****
A father sentenced to execution, two sets of identical twins unaware of their mere metre proximity and a heavily pregnant wife trying to tie down one husband but grappling with two – what could possibly go wrong? A play of mistaken identity, madness, and a whole barrel of chaos. The Royal Shakespeare Company have opened their summer season with a gut-punchingly bold adaptation of one of Shakespeare’s lesser known and lesser appreciated plays; The Comedy of Errors.
Antipholus of Syracuse (Guy Lewis) and his right-hand man Dromio of Syracuse (Jonathan Broadbent) are on a quest to be reunited with their twin brothers, unbeknown to them Antipholus’ father Aegeon (Antony Bunsee) has set forth on the same mission despite the grave danger of illegal entry to Ephesus. It isn’t long before Antipholus finds himself with more than he bargained for – power, jewels, a pregnant wife and a nauseating sense of confusion. His brother (Rowan Polonski), in turn finding himself without these, enters an equal state of despair.
Like the play intended, Phillip Breen’s direction did not take itself too seriously. It was two hours crammed with fun, farse and a buzz of energy. There was a refreshing lack of control, particularly within the heightened moments of mayhem – wherever the eye was drawn there was something magically mischievous unfolding. Max Jones’ 80s design and costuming was a visual feast, plus any scene in lycra and sweat bands is already ten times more hilarious. A particularly wonderful moment was Alfred Clay’s Dr Pinch warding off Antipholus’ all-encompassing madness while in gold lyrca yoga gear. Particular mention also has to be made to Hedydd Dylan’s powerhouse Adrianna. A force to be reckoned with, bringing hilarity with beautifully woven vulnerability – just a joy to watch at every moment.
The production has been adapted for the RSC’s newly crafted outdoor theatre space, The Lydia and Manfred Gorvy Garden Theatre. A 500 capacity, ampitheatre-esque space set to the backdrop of the pre-existing theatre space creating a beautifully atmospheric venue to be immersed back into live theatre in the safest way possible. For the play’s conclusion to coincide with the falling of dusk made for a wonderful resolve to the evening (but make sure to wrap up warm, blankets will not go a miss).
Theatre is at its essence about play and that was at the heart of this production. A wonderfully weird welcome back to the RSC and the perfect escape from the year that preceded us.
The Comedy of Errors is running in Stratford until the 26th of September where after it will continue its run to The Theatre Royal Nottingham, The Marlowe Canterbury, Alhambra Theatre Bradford and Barbican Theatre London.