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Jess Avis reviews one of Shakespeare's earliest plays.

One of Shakespeare's earliest plays, 'The Comedy of Errors' tells the classic story of mistaken identity.

Take one pair of twins, both called Antipholus and separated as babies, and their twin servants, both called Dromio; keep them apart for years then throw them into a city with a reputation for sorcery and you have the perfect ingredients for theatrical chaos.

Tucked away in the gardens of Ashton Court is where you will find this evening of merriment and delight. The touring company from Shakespeare's Globe Theatre as ever does not fail to disappoint. The cast of eight actors have to switch between their many parts at the speed of light, creating a fast, furious and extremely funny performance.

Using an Elizabethan-inspired stage, the actors skillfully manage to breathe new life into the old text using modern themes. It is a brilliant display of how a simple stage and small cast can transport you away from the damp bit of grass you are sat on.

As with their production of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' that they brought to Ashton Court last year, the setting of the gardens add to the character's on-stage drama. The versatile cast manage to include the audience at every turn as they depict the trouble the two sets of identical twins find themselves in, with some great slapstick elements thrown in for good measure.

High praise has to go to Tom Mothersdale and Fergal McElherron, who play Antipholus and Dromio. They manage to portray both sets of twins as very separate characters, and snap between their two parts in an instant.

For those who perhaps view Shakespeare's plays as just men in tights coupled with long rambling verses, this production of 'A Comedy of Errors' is a great introduction, which highlights his diversity and true talent for wit and humor that you cannot fail to enjoy.

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