FIVE STARS
SHAKESPEARE'S The
Comedy of Errors is one of his funniest plays - full of farce,
slapstick and laugh out loud humour, thus making it ideal for kids.
A pared down version is
now on at the National's Temporary Theatre and it is a real joy.
It has been adapted by
Ben Power who has worked his magic to create an hour-long show
perfect for those aged between eight and 12.
The basic story is of
two sets of identical twins who are separated from each other as
youngsters during a storm.
Years later Antipholus
of Syracuse and his manservant Dromio arrive in Ephesus and are
immediately confused with their brothers - Antipholus of Ephesus and
his manserant also called Dromio.
Not only are both sets
of twins mistaken for the other by those in Ephesus, they also
confuse each other - with the two Dromios coming off a bit worse for
wear from their masters and Antipholus of Ephesus's wife Adriana.
Set on what looks like
a tropical paradise island, it is a pacey contemporary production
with the comedy ramped up to the max for the young audience.
It begins with Aegeon,
father of the Antipholus brothers outlining to the audience what has
happened to the families of both sets of boys.
From there it goes
headlong into the story with Antipholus of Syracuse and Dromio
arriving in Ephesus and immediately confusing both each other and
everyone else.
There is plenty of
running about as the twins try to work out what is going on, narrowly
avoiding bumping into each other.
Hilariously funny, it
is brilliantly put together and certainly held the attention of my 11
year old who thought it was "fantastic".
The Comedy of Errors is
on at the National's Temporary Theatre, South Bank until November 6.
Tickets from £8. Visit www.nationaltheatre.org.uk or call the box
office on 020 7452 3000.
No comments:
Post a Comment