Review: Comedy of Errors Remixed at The Courtyard
Writer: Darren โคRaymond
Director: Stephanie Badaru
The Intermission Youth Theatre presents a compelling and humorous reimagining of Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors with Comedy of Errors Remixed, a production that skillfully blends classic text with โคcontemporary London street culture โand the experiences of asylum seekers. The โคplay delivers a significant โขmessage about โคfamily, belonging, and the challenges faced by those navigating new languages โฃand โenvironments.
The narrative follows two sets of identical twins. Anthony โand Dominique, asylum seekers from โan unnamed country referred to as “Shakespeare,” โcommunicate solely in Shakespearean language. โUnbeknownst to them, their fraternalโค twins, Ant and Dom, are alive and thriving in London, speaking in contemporary street slang.โค The resulting confusion โwhen all โขfour converge creates the comedic core of โฃthe play, mirroring the original Shakespearean plot.
The production powerfully establishes its central theme from the outset: the divide and connection between โcultures through language. The opening scene effectively portrays theโ suspicion and mockery directed towards those speaking Shakespeareanโค English, highlighting the tension and instability that arises from โขmiscommunication and unfamiliarity. This dynamicโข underscores โขthe โdifficulties faced by those seeking โrefuge and attempting to integrate into โa new society.
The play maintains a strong balance between comedic moments and underlying tension, creating a well-paced and engagingโข performance.The humour is strategically placed, frequently enough amplifying the emotional impact of the story.
The young โขcast delivers a remarkably polishedโ performance, demonstrating passion, precision in their delivery, and authentic interactions. The strength of the โensemble ensures โno single performance overshadows the others.
While the play’s resolution, โwhere acceptance โขcomesโ onyl with the revelation of a familial connection, is heartwarming, it also โฃpresents a nuanced point for reflection. The narrative suggests โฃthat acceptance of “the other” is often contingent on finding common ground through kinship, a point that feels particularly relevant givenโข the play’s focus onโ the struggles โof asylum seekers. A slightly altered โending could have perhaps more directly addressed this complex issue.
Comedy of โขErrors โRemixed is a successful and thought-provoking adaptation. It honors the wit and energy of Shakespeare’s original while together shedding โฃlight on contemporary issues within London.
Runs until 20 December 2025
The Reviews Hub Star Rating: 90% -โ “Street meets Shakespeare”