There’s only one thing that can spoil this year’s Ludlow Festival - rain! Last night’s preview performance of Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors was an absolute triumph.
The Bard’s short farce was performed with verve and gusto by a talented cast, under the brilliant directorship of Glen Walford. When festival chairman Ray Sykes brought Walford back to Ludlow, he charged her with creating a hit.
She’s done exactly that and Ludlow Festival has a theatrical crackerjack on its hands. The Comedy of Errors features a gloriously preposterous plot, which relies on chance rather than contrivance.
It is set in the mystical Arabian nights-style Ephesus and the audience is involved in the adventures taking place during just one day.
There are laughs aplenty as we witness mistaken identity, error-making and an increasingly entangled web of intrigue.
The story follows a father who faces a sentence of death unless he can raise money by sunset.
His twin sons and their twin servants join the action, which becomes ever-more absurd.
There are fine performances from a strong cast, though pleasingly it’s a great ensemble rather than a company with stand out individuals or star names.
Walford’s production is a delight and the enchanting setting of Ludlow Castle merely adds to beauty of this play.
Atmospheric lighting from Mark Dymock and knockout costumes and stage sets from Rodney Ford and Sheila Kirk merely add to the overall effect.
A small number of Ludlovians also tread the boards, after being asked by Glen Walford to appear as extras in the play.
There are profound observations of humanity and the play is blessed with one of Shakespeare’s happiest endings.
Over the next two weeks, the rain may fall on Ludlow Festival audiences with showers predicted.
But The Comedy of Errors is such a marvellous play that inclement weather is unlikely to put a dampener on the centrepiece of Ludlow Festival.
Tickets are still available for evening performances at 8.30pm and matinees at 2.30pm and 4pm. Book now, while you still can.
l Ticket details are available from the box office on (01584) 872150
Alternatively people can visit the festival’s website at www.ludlowfestival.co.uk
By Andy Richardson
2 Comments
Nice to read your appreciative review Andy. Glen Walford can be depended upon to direct fine performances - in Ludlow we love her. This year she has assembled a cast that have worked together to give a delightful interpretation of Shakespeare’s farce. Laughter is a tonic we all need - don’t miss
this play.
Enjoyed every minute of last nights performance (05/07/07) a wonderful cast and an absolutely captivating performance unspoiled by the rain.