The Comedy of Errors

“Slapstick” is probably not the first thing that springs to mind when someone says Shakespeare. That may change after seeing The Comedy of Errors, a madcap comedy based on a classic case of mistaken identity. Rude noises, Benny-Hill like chases and hilarious, over-the-top insults are all played for big laughs. Be prepared to be confused until you work out who’s who, for the actors who play the two sets of identical twins (Stephen Gartner and David Leyshon as the two Antipholuses and Jeff Schwager and Jonathan Wilson as the Dromios) are so alike that the many mix-ups seem almost possible. The story translates well to the 1970s and John Dinning’s set is a gorgeous 3D snapshot of a Greek Village. After two acts of frivolous fun, the play ends on a satisfying and surprisingly touching note. --Kate Watson