A Comedy of Errors

Mikey & Alex kindly bought me a ticket to see William Shakespeare's Comedy of Errors at the National Theatre as part of my Christmas gift this year. Mikey had talked about possibly going as a friend of ours, Chris Jarman plays one of the lead roles.

I have to confess all those years ago studying English and all of my years at Drama School, I never once enjoyed Shakespeare at all. In fact I can remember telling the Head of Performing Arts on one occasion that Shakespeare was dead and as far as I was concerned had taken his works with him. But that was my blindness for not seeing it for the beauty of the prose and comedy or romance or tragedy therein. I hereby sincerely apologize Mrs Tellaney. I was wrong.

It was not until Baz Luhrmann directed Romeo & Juliette that I finally understood the beauty of Shakespeares words. It was like a magical moment as a veil was removed from my eyes and suddenly it all made sense and was not only clever and funny but actually touching and emotional too. I will admit it takes a little time to get used to the way they used to talk, but once you add in the modern day touches so that it feels more close to home, its completely different and totally understandable.

We took our seats in the Olivier Stalls, dead centre in the Fifth row just moments before the lights went down.

Lenny Henry played the lead character an identical twin with his slave DeRomeo who had recently arrived in a new town. The plot slowly unfolds as Lenny and his unknown twin are caught up in a series of events which without giving away the plot involves a number of mistaken identities.

I particuarly liked the fact that the Mistress and her Sister had Essex accents even though in Shakespeare prose and the sign that the olde English was of no barrier to an amazing play was the fact that both Lisa and I were practically laughing non stop during the second half and during an emotional scene I found myself wiping my eye.

The cast were fabulous and this performance, much like Baz Luhrmann's is set in modern day giving this traditional play a truly modern twist.

Even if you don't usually enjoy Shakespeare, treat yourself, I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

A huge thank you to Alex & Mikey for a fantastic night out and a superb Christmas treat.

A Comedy of Errors plays at the National Theatre until April 1st 2012.