Taking their production of The Comedy of Errors on a national tour, Bell Shakespeare’s rendition of the The Bard’s slapstick play is due to tour to 20 venues across the country, from July through to October. Longtime Bell Shakespeare collaborator Janine Watson is at the helm as the director of the farce; which centres around several cases of mistaken identity, unrequited love, and just pure chaos. Keen for a laugh, we were lucky enough to catch the opening night performance at the Arts Centre’s Fairfax Studio, which opened to a packed theatre.
The play kicks off with high-stakes; Syracusian merchant Egeon (Maitland Schnaars) has just arrived in Ephesus, and is arrested almost immediately, due to the rivalry between the two cities. After monologuing his somber tale of his lost family to the Duke, he is told he either has to pay a thousand marks, or face execution. Meanwhile, one of Egeon’s twin sons, Antipholus (Skyler Ellis), arrives in Ephesus, along with his servant Dromio (Julia Billington). Little do the two know, that both their twins are also in the city, which leads to many an awkward situation, as the two sets of twins are mistaken for each other constantly.
Facing off against the Syracusian Antipholus and Dromio, is their Ephesian counterparts played by Felix Jozeps and Ella Prince. The two sets of twins are hilarious to watch in action, as they are all unknowingly put into situations caused by the other. Supporting is the fantastic Giema Contini as Adriana, Antipholus of Ephesus’ wife; Joseph ‘Wunujaka’ Althouse as her brother Luciano; Leilani Loau as the twins’ mother Emilia; Alex King as the Duke; and Lauren Richardson as Courtesan and Angelo.
Set in the 70s, with Vegas-style neon signs, fun costumes (by Hugh O’Connor), and some disco bops to pull it all together, the production lends itself to a fresh new interpretation of the play. A few choice gender-swapped roles add an extra layer to the characters, with the role of Luciana now Luciano, and the Dromio twins interpreted as non-binary. Ultimately, as a tale of family reunions, all actors felt so natural in their roles – to a point that the audience could really tell they were having fun with it.
Whether you’re a regular enjoyer of thespian pursuits, or just looking for some theatre that isn’t your average play, make sure you check out Bell Shakespeare’s production of The Comedy of Errors, which is playing at the Arts Centre Melbourne from 13-23 July. Head to their website to book your tickets nationwide.
Photo Credit: Brett Boardman