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.
