The Festival Players: Comedy of Errors - Live Review
The Festival Players International are a not-for-profit touring theatre company who brags forty years of experience performing Shakespeare’s plays in outdoor venues. If you have taken an interest in their work but have concerns about the accessibility of Shakespeare, fear not; the Festival Players make full use of the theatrical form to make Shakespeare for the people.
It’s a concern I felt myself. Before attending their most recent production, it had been sometime since I’d watched or read any Shakespeare. The rust around my edges worried me, but, having attended two of their previous shows, when I saw the advertisement for The Comedy of Errors I knew I was in for a treat.
This particular performance was staged in Ulverston’s Ford Park, a pleasant expanse of greenery on the outskirts of Cumbria’s Lake District. The atmosphere was relaxed, the audience seated on camping chairs and picnic blankets enjoying their evening meal under the soft blues of the approaching twilight.
The set was minimal - understandable given the challenges of being on the road - and there was a distinct lack of lighting or amplification. The lack of tech did not make the show any less technical, however. Dialogue was easily heard, timings were well considered so little lighting was needed, and the tactile nature of the performance helped create a sense of intimacy. The five cast members gave memorable performances across the board, featuring impressive handling of multiroling which had the potential to cause issues if not for the shared ingenuity of the actors and clear directorial vision.
Every audience member was taken into account. Toddlers and elderly alike, the show met everyone where they were. Expository monologues were interwoven with puppetry, helping those unfamiliar with the language follow along and providing another layer of spectacle to those who were; the choice to adapt verse into song helped break up heavy dialogue, and physical comedy and audience interaction aided the humour of the piece. No matter the joke, the Festival Players found a way to get a laugh from everyone present. Their dedication to bringing Shakespare to the people really paid off, with the heart of the company shining through the passion and discipline of those on stage. It was evident the cast wanted you to have a good time.
As live theatre ought to, the show brought the Ulverston community together. The audience of two hundred people came from all walks of life, all of them glued to the action irrespective of their history with Shakespeare or theatre. After the show the park was full of conversation, whether that was friends finding friends or strangers enjoying the sense of togetherness the piece enabled. The Festival Player’s commitment to delivering high-quality touring theatre was evident from the atmosphere post-show, with smiles and laughter going on long into the night.
I spent a wonderful evening watching The Comedy of Errors. The Festival Players are a testament to the quality of not-for-profit theatre and their important role in creating accessible, community-forming events. They’re certainly one to keep your eye on. Whether it is your first or fiftieth show, the Festival Players will make you fall in love with Shakespare.