The Comedy of Errors at Shakespeare’s Globe

As the West End and Broadway are awash with adaptations of Romeo and Juliet, aficionados of Shakespeare’s comedies will be delighted to witness the riveting revival of The Comedy of Errors at the Globe Theatre as part of its summer season. Performed by a talented cast under the direction of Sean Holmes, the production offers an exhilarating, light-hearted adventure that reminds viewers of the enduring genius of Shakespeare’s comedic craft.

Separated at birth by a shipwreck, two sets of identical twins – Antipholus and Dromio – unwittingly converge as Antipholos and Dromio of Syracuse set foot in the city of Ephesus, the home of their twin brothers. Chaos erupts as the townspeople repeatedly mistake the visiting pair for their long-lost twins, triggering a whirlwind of major misunderstandings, wrongful beatings and comic confusion.

With its open-air structure, thatched roof and wooden stage, the authentic Elizabethan setting of the venue amplifies both the actors’ voices and the play’s timeless, farcical charm. Its immersive atmosphere faithfully recreates the full-body experience of English Renaissance theatre, drawing the audience into the on-stage chaos and inviting them to become part of the show. The close proximity between actors and spectators fosters a dynamic engagement in which the theatregoers’ reactions actively influence the act. The actors respond in real time to the audience’s laughter and reactions and vice versa, enhancing the spontaneity and immediacy of their performance. The unique engagement creates a vibrant atmosphere where physical comedy becomes even more pronounced, and takes centre stage as the story unfolds.

Perhaps the most physical of Shakespeare’s comedies, The Comedy of Errors derives much of its humour from slapstick scenarios: characters are attacked, locked out of their homes and confronted by irate spouses. The farce’s physical comedy is amplified by the exaggerated nature of these situations, with the beatings of Dromio by both Antipholus twins being particularly memorable. The comic effect is further heightened by the audible impact of these dramatic thrashings, with the slapping sounds echoing through the theatre for an especially vivid and uproarious episode. The combination of physical exaggeration and audible effects adds to its energetic and farcical spirit, immersing the crowd in the chaos without relying on modern enhancements such as stage lighting or sound systems.

Christina Yang
Photo: Marc Brenner

The Comedy of Errors is at Shakespeare’s Globe from 29^th August until 27^th October 2024. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.

Watch the trailer for The Comedy of Errors at Shakespeare’s Globe here: