A comic Shakespearean romp will provide the frolics and fun for the seventh annual season of Shakespeare in the Park to be held in February and 19 local thespians have been selected to take part. The Comedy of Errors will provide hilarity as the tale of two sets of twins sees all four men thoroughly confused and bewildered by the constant dilemmas created by mistaken identity. Venture Southland creative projects manager Angela Newell said The Comedy of Errors was typical of Shakespeare’s comedies and was a very easily understood play that was full of physical jokes and double takes. The story follows Antipholus, of Syracuse, to be played by William Hope, and his servant Dromio (Wade Millar), who find themselves in the city of Ephesus, but little do they know that their long-lost twin brothers are there as well. Having been separated at a young age, both sets of twins grew up apart, each thinking the others had been lost at sea. Antipholus of Ephesus will be played by Jason Fraser, with Hamish McGregor as Dromio of Ephesus. The comedy is written in a style that the audience is privy to the encounters of mistaken identity, while the twins are not. Ms Newell said the play then threw in a jealous wife, her lovelorn sister, a sexy courtesan and an estranged father on death row, resulting in an entertaining and outrageous farce, which had inspired many other writers within such a popular theatrical tradition. Queens Park will again be the site of the outdoor production that will feature a troupe of 22 local thespians and musicians. The Comedy of Errors will run from Wednesday 14 to Sunday 18 February 2007. The season will include early evening performances at 6.30pm, as well as the popular matinees shows at 1pm during the weekend. Other cast members are: Steve Beale as Aegeon; David Pottinger, Duke Solinus; Neil Bramley, Officer of the Court; Kerryn Boniface, Gaoler; Shane Pleasance, Merchant 1; Lizzy Dawson, Adriana; Victoria Morgan, Luciana; Phil O'Donnell, Balthazar; Rachel Morris, Luce; Nick Round-Turner, Angelo; Frank Dean, Merchant 2; Rosalie McDonald, The Courtesan; Malcolm Williams, Dr Pinch; Debbie Parsons, Aemelia; Lyndal Ludlow, Maria.
For further information: Angela Newell, Creative Projects Manager, Venture Southland Tel: 03 211 1412; Mobile: 021 516 387; Email: angela@venturesouthland.co.nz
Media Enquiries Melissa Chilton, Communications Officer, Venture Southland Tel: 03 211 1418, Mobile 021 277 9219, Email: melissa@venturesouthland.co.nz
