THE COMEDY OF ERRORS
July 1992
 

Cumbernauld News – 17/7/92 “Youth Theatre shows Professional Touch”
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Adding a twist to Shakespeare really paid off for Cumbernauld Youth Theatre.

The Youth theatre’s version of “the Comedy of Errors”, directed Twist could give many professional Company’s a run for their money.

The play was a sparkling success at Cumbernauld theatre last week.

The complicated tale of mistaken identity involving two pairs of twins was presented simply, but at a pace.

Costumes were unfussy and well chosen, the lighting unobtrusive but effective – allowing the fine performances of the young cast to shine.

Shakespeare’s verse has been mangled by more than a few professional actors, so the youth theatre members could be forgiven for experiencing any problems.

But the verse flowed easily, smoothing any potential confusion over the complex to-ings and fro-ings of the plot.

Michael Aherne followed a promising appearance in last years “a Midsummer Night’s Dream” with a star performance as Antipholus of Syracuse, who arrives in Ephesus with his servant Dromio only to be mistaken for their long lost twins who bear the same names.

His fine comic acting as the baffled Antipholus was balanced with a nicely played love scene opposite Jill Stevenson as Luciana.

Lucie Mclean, so good in Stampede’s recent performance of “They Shoot Horses Don’t They?” was excellent as the put-upon Dromio, as was her even more put-upon opposite number, Hazel Grogans’ Dromio of Ephesus.

Even those playing the smaller roles made an impression, particularly Claire Leonard as Angello the goldsmith and Wendy King as quack Dr Pinch.

The outstanding performance came from Debbie Murray, as Adriana, wife of Antipholus of Ephesus, giving a natural and unforced performance.

Cumbernauld Youth Theatre clearly benefited from working with a professional director, creating a highly memorable and highly enjoyably production.

CAST: Gerard Leonard, Barbara Campbell, Wendy King, Sharon Penn-Dunnett, Michael Aherne, Lucie Mclean, Lisa Stevenson, Hazel Grogans, Deborah Murray, Jill Stevenson, Steven Purdie, Claire Leonard, Elaine Macdonald, Sarah Love.

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