Shakespeares Comedy of Errors tells the story of separated twins: Antipholus of Syracuse and his servant Dromio find themselves in the city of Ephesus, not knowing that this is the hometown of the brothers from whom they were separated in a shipwreck many years ago. When the friends and family of Antipholus and Dromio of Ephesus discover the twins Syracusan counterparts, the mishaps that arise from the mistaken identities lead to false accusations, arrests, exorcism and near-seduction. The confusing story is perfectly suited to the bright colours and slapstick comedy of Commedia del Arte. The numerous beatings, exaggerated innuendoes and archetypal characters need a committed cast to pull them off and the actors never shy away from taking these elements to their extreme. Though the masks are dispensed with after the first scene, the elastic faces of the cast grimace and pucker, stretch and gurn to great comic effect.Some of the more physical moments need a little extra work, but this tentativeness will be ironed out over the course of the run. In the scenes of slapstick violence enhanced by the whistles and wooden claps of the on-stage musicians it is the characters of the two Dromios that dominate. Not only are these twins physically identical, but Jackie and Claire Mosteller are equally impressive in their poise, comic timing and acrobatic ability. They have a vital energy that makes them the pivot in all scenes in which they feature. Often the Shakespearian language can come out garbled, and although the play is meant to be pacy, some of the actors need to slow down and consider the meaning behind the words. That said, the script is supported by the physical direction, and there are many notable performances particularly the larger than life Antipholus of Syracuse. An enjoyable and entertaining Fringe experience.
