WITH the leading lady fracturing her elbow and another cast member cracking a couple of ribs, there must have been times in the last week or so when the Players wondered if any more “errors” would prevent them putting on a show at all.

Luckily there have been no more, although seeing the speed at which some of the action moves perhaps everyone should keep their fingers firmly crossed for a while yet. As the confusion unfolds over two sets of identical twins turning up in the same place, each unaware of the other’s presence, some of the ensuing chases rival anything the Keystone Cops might have achieved.

This is a lively production in all senses of the word, and extremely enjoyable thanks to Kevin Dicker’s fine direction and quirky sense of humour, as well as a cast that has risen splendidly to the challenge. Assured performances come in particular from Natalie Arkell (Adriana) and both sets of “twins”: Tim Beacock & Guy Trevelyan-Martin (Antipholus) and Stephen Nairn & David Carter (Dromio). Sian Thomas also impresses as Luciana, as does Daniel Sutton, playing a number of small roles in scene-stealing style.

A “comedy of errors” you’d be mistaken to miss.

Linda Kirkman
Courtesy of the Bournemouth Daily Echo