The Comedy of Errors (More or Less), Shakespeare North Playhouse review

★★★★

Reviewer - Aimee

*Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in return for an honest review.

Content warning: Use of haze, flashing lights, loud music, strong language. Themes of injury.

The Comedy Of Errors (More Or Less) is a fresh take on an early comedy play written originally by Shakespeare. In this version the whole story takes place in Scarborough in the 80’s and centres around two sets of identical twins, both separated as babies. Later they find themselves in the same town and a hilarious case of mistaken identity ensues.

The original material was adapted by Elizabeth Godber and Nick Lane, who both did an incredible job of ensuring that the story was easy to understand. Sometimes with Shakespeare the language can be harder for people to understand, but they make it easy to follow (despite it’s rather chaotic plot). The way they have incorporated modern language whilst maintaining some of the original writing is just brilliant, and it really works for the show.

The comedic timing in this show is fantastic and is the best part of it. Right from the start it was like the laughter started and then never stopped. The script is jam packed with lots of classic jokes to get the audience going, as well as including plenty of regional jokes along the way. Whether you’re from the north or south, there’s something in there for everyone to enjoy. Even when you’re not laughing you’ll find yourself smiling the whole way through.

A strong, well-rounded cast did a great job in their respective roles. Valerie Antwi, Andy Cryer, Claire Eden, Alyce Liburd, Ida Regan, Zack Mawdsley, Oliver Mawdsley and Peter Kirkbride bring this notable Shakespeare story to life. Most of them play more than two roles in the show, and they all were great at making their transitions between them clear every time.

Since this version is set in the 80’s the show includes musical numbers with some classic songs of that era. Artists such as Fleetwood Mac, Billy Joel, Cher and more all make an appearance. The music seems to fit the storyline, with the chosen songs either helping to convey emotion or advancing the plot. It doesn’t feel like at any point they’ve put a song in just for the sake it, you can tell thought has gone into it. With that being said, the transitions into the musical numbers at times felt a little bit stiff and more could have been done to make these feel more natural.

There isn’t much of a set for this show, with the audience relying on minimal prop pieces to indicate where scenes are taking place. At times this works, however as the props are reused for different settings sometimes it can get a little bit confusing. The costumes are pretty basic and there’s nothing really about them that stands out (other than one particular ice cream costume which is used for comedic effect).

The show is currently on at the Shakespeare North Playhouse, a new venue in Prescot that opened last year. It’s an in the round theatre, with it’s seats being benches that (mostly) have no backs. Despite this being different to most theatres it was a wonderful experience. The staff are lovely and helpful when it comes to navigating people around a new venue. There is also easy transport links with a bus stop directly outside and the train station only being a short walk away. The only thing I would say is that if you’ve got long legs you might find the legroom a bit tight, but other than that it’s a wonderful new venue (definitely worth a visit!).

Overall this show is perfect for anybody over the age of 10, who just wants a fun and light hearted time at the theatre.

The Comedy Of Errors (More or Less) is performing at the Shakespeare North Playhouse until 25 March. Book your tickets here.