THE COMEDY OF ERRORS
THE COMEDY OF ERRORS
Following the outstanding presentation of Macbeth by our Prep School, the lights dimmed once more for another dramatic treat which could not have provided a greater contrast, even by Shakespeare’s standards!
As the curtain raised we were immediately submerged in a stylised urban world, as seen through the eyes of mafia inspired characters with upturned collars, tilted trilby hats, fur jackets and mini-skirts. The intriguing ‘Pinch Brigade’, with their fishing nets and magnifying glasses, was constantly on hand listening in and spying on this crazy tale of separation, mistaken identities, wrongful beatings and slapstick humour. Every member of the cast contributed wholeheartedly to this sultry and menacing world, moving seamlessly from comedy to drama against a backdrop of Abba hits and indie rock tracks.
Alex Hunter opened the evening’s escapade as Egeon, the doting father of our main protagonists, the lost twins, who were played with gusto by Will Robinson (Antipholus of Ephesus) and Archie Fogg (Antipholus of Syracuse). Their twin slaves, Ben Wagstaff and Dylan Collier provided the perfect antidote to the utter confusion on stage, while the audience was treated to towering performances (literally) from Alice Grieg (Adrianna) and Milly Morgan (Luciana) tottering in high heels as they contemplated their partner’s antics. Lily Aldridge and Ellie Harris (a pair of Foreign Merchants) lurked sardonically behind sunglasses for the entire performance and roused the audience to an impromptu round of applause following their satirical rendition of Abba’s ‘Money, Money, Money’. Chaos reigned until Rory Stocks, with his comical portrayal of The Duke thinly disguised as Prince Charles, brought a sense of calm to the proceedings. It was clear to everyone present just how much work and effort had gone into the production; well done to every member of the cast, and huge thanks to Emily Harris and the Drama Department for staging such a thought-provoking production.