Comedy of Errors, Theatre by the Lake ***

The set of the Comedy of Errors

When looking at this production of farce and jollity, it is hard not to compare Keswick's production with the one at the globe earlier this year. As you would expect, this production does fall short of the Globe production. The farcical nature of the play is somewhat diminished in Keswick, where comedy is sought in all the wrong places and moments that should be getting belly laughs only result in scattered chuckles throughout the auditorium. There are also some performances that belong in am-dram rather than on, arguably, the finest stage outside the capital. However, despite these errors, the set design is joyous and some performances, especially Lucciana by Jennifer English, that far exceed those at the Globe. One Dromio being on crutches also broke the fourth wall effectively, even if only accidentally. Therefore, whilst several key issues let the piece down, it is still a strong romp which entertains it's audience.

Comedy of Errors, Shakespeare's Globe ****

Matt Doherty, Matthew Needham (Antipholus of Ephesus), Andy Apollo (Gaoler/Officer), Harry Katsari in 
The Comedy of Errors 

I have always known through word of mouth that Shakespeare's Comedy of Errors was more error than comedy so I was anxious going into Blanche McIntyre's production. I was wrong to be anxious. The atmosphere at the globe was electric perhaps only equalled by Henry IV in 2010 as the actors fell about the stage in a comedic fashion. The farce , in a see how they run fashion, starts with a Dromio trying to get a pair of pants hanging from the roof. This sets the tone for the play. It is a rip roaring, rollicking production with almost everyone, bar Lucianna, giving an above good performance. I would like to see how te good people of Keswick can offer when I go and see this play up there in October.