The Comedy of Errors

Seeing this production at Stratford was one of the best theatrical experiences of my life. A superb cast rattle through Shakespeare's early slapstick comedy having a whale of a time, with added songs. Trevor Nunn demonstrates the creative qualities that he goes on to show later in productions such as Cats, Les Miz etc. Unfortunately this is a stage show and they've just pointed the cameras at the stage production, so it doesn't come over anything like as good as the live theatre did. The actors are projecting their speeches to the auditorium and not speaking to the cameras (as would be normal in a made-for-TV drama).

We saw the original production on-stage at the RST Strarford, and I can truly say, it was unique and truly beyond belief. The acting is superb, the settings awesome, and why Nickolas Grace isn't one of the most sought after stars in the world is beyond me. His Dromio is one of the most incredible performances I have ever had the good fortune to see, and it brought the house down time after time. Thatdoesn't, of course, detract from the other actors, the young Judy Dench, the much missed Michael Williams, and Roger Rees to name but a very few. You will also get a wonderful glimpse of a young Richard Griffiths at his most hilarious best. It is Shakespeare set to music,but still unmistakably classic and Stratford. Every song was a show stopper, showing the mark of the hand that brought Les Miserables to life. It is funny, colourful and clever, and though the video is good, it cannot be anything but a paler version of the actual event. Nonetheless, it is treasured for the memories of an original and totally breathtaking production. I saw it several times, and there really are no adequate words to describe the experience.

This was a marvellous production which I was fortunate to see live at the time-(Oct. 1976) when I was 12!! Because of this,I found the opening explanatory scene slow-(still do,strangely enough).However,this is made up for with a fast paced,brilliantly acted tour-de-force with great songs/music. At such a young age,I couldn't understand the complexities of the plot but it made no difference as the exuberance of the whole show left me in awe.It truly was unforgettable. Tracking it down on video was a joy as I could relive it nearly 30 years later-(true,it can't be as good as 'live' and it was disconcerting to see my face in an audience close up shot!!) If you saw this production or love the theatre then try and get hold of a copy and marvel at the brilliance of Judi Dench,the energy of Michael Williams and Mike Gwiliym and many other superb performances by well known stars. The pace never lets up and you are left with a feeling of being thoroughly entertained. Watch and enjoy.

Was not alive at the time the original production was performed, so have not had the pleasure of seeing this production live. Was immediately fascinated upon hearing of the production since going on a Shakespeare production and film binge in the past few years, with it being Shakespeare set to song and dance ('Kiss Me Kate' being proof that Shakespeare and musicals do mix) and because of the cast. The most familiar name being Judi Dench.

1978's 'The Comedy of Errors' was an absolute joy to watch and even better than expected. So much fun and full of life that it was easy to forget that the play, one of his earliest and one of his shortest, is not one of the bard's best. Of his comedies or overall. While still of course being worth reading. Of the few productions seen of 'The Comedy of Errors', this is one of the best and has very few errors. With also pretty much none of the play's traps being fallen into.

The production does start off a little slow and lacking in energy and part of the blame goes to the play itself which is also a slow starter.

Otherwise, so much is fabulous here. Personally did not think that the production looked cheap, it isn't lavish but there is a definitely a sense of time and place and it has enough colour and atmosphere. The photography isn't static or overblown, while having enough intimacy and having a vivid feeling of a live performance. Also did like the music very much, beautifully and energetically scored and the text is fun and worth investing in. No classics, but no misfires either.

Moreover, the choreography is full of exuberant energy while not resorting to excess. The staging also has that energy and captures the play's wit beautifully, with everything done in good taste. Any omissions did not to me harm the production's flow or coherence. Which is amazing considering that the story for 'The Comedy of Errors' is a fairly complicated one.

All the performances are pitch perfect, the exuberance of Michael Williams and Mike Gwiliym is infectious and Dench is radiant and feisty. Nickolus Grace not having a bigger career is indeed a mystery.

In summary, wonderful. 9/10.

I believe this was largely the work of Trevor Nunn, he who contributed the song 'Memory' to the musical production of TS Eliot's 'Cats', although the songs here aren't to the same standard. Guy Woolfenden of the RSC, who worked with the actors and got them to sing, has also written about certain problems with some of the cast - however, what we have here is essentially a fairly good production of the Shakespeare play, filmed with an audience (with irritating cuts to and from them), and with a few songs added.

Roger Rees and Mike Gwilym, and Michael Williams and Nickolas Grace, play the two sets of twins, and are all good. Judi Dench, Francesca Annis, Griffith Jones, etc., also appear. It moves along nicely although it looks done on the cheap and the musical bits are generally poor. Then again, perhaps the musical bits allow additional interest to what can come out as quite a dull play by Shakespearian standards.