Bell Shakespeare’s production of The Comedy of Errors arrives in Melbourne for a season from July 13-23 at Arts Centre Melbourne, then tours regional Victoria before continuing with a national tour.
The Comedy of Errors was due to be presented in 2020 but was disrupted due to COVID. The production will tour across Victoria, starting at Arts Centre Melbourne from July 13-23, then to Horsham Town Hall on July 26, The Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool on July 28 and West Gippsland Arts Centre on July 30.
Directed by Bell Shakespeare collaborator Janine Watson, the play is a comedic romp of swapped identities, misguided love, mistaken imprisonment, and chaotic mishap.
Set in the 1970s, a time in history when global tensions were sky high but was juxtaposed with social movements fighting for liberation and change, the production takes place over a 24-hour period in a colourful and hedonistic seaside land that feels as if anything can and will happen.
Two sets of twins who have been separated for decades strive to be brought back together, and as the dawn arises, all the threads come untangled, and the truth is revealed.
Director Janine Watson says, “Make no mistake – this production will be a fast paced and rollicking comedy, full of verbal wit and physical high jinx. But the characters are desperate for freedom, reunion, love – and that’s what we’ll keep at the heart of our show.”
Gender fluidity has been explored amongst the characters, with the Dromio twins played by Julia Billington and Ella Prince, while the Antipholus twins will be portrayed by Felix Jozeps and Skyler Ellis.
Joining them onstage will be Joseph Althouse, Giema Contini, Alex King, Leilani Loau, Lauren Richardson and Maitland Schnaars.
www.bellshakespeare.com.au/
the-comedy-of-errors

• Cheryl Threadgold