After an almost 4-month lockdown on all theatre and entertainment events, with most shows being postponed to next year, WhatsTheirNames Theatre safely welcomed back audiences with a fresh performance run of Shakespeare's Comedy of Errors. By safely, I mean social distancing rules were followed, even in seating arrangements, and temperatures were being taken at the door.
WhatsTheirNames has been producing Shakespeare plays in any other place where you wouldn't expect to see a Shakespeare performance since 2016. During the COVID-19 lockdown, the company hosted a live-streamed reading of Much Ado About Nothing (previously performed in 2018 at the Pub) with the same spontaneity they always carried, giving us a dose of what we were missing at that time. WhatsTheirNames have always delighted me in their determination to perform for the pure joy of performing.
This time around, they opened this new theatre season with a night filled with laughter for everyone who attended. First off, the charming Villa Bologna Garden was the best setting for a laid-back yet appealing atmosphere for a Shakespeare in the park. Sitting down on a blanket to watch six performers do their thing was an experience that I really hope happens more often.
The Comedy of Errors follows two sets of identical twins who were accidentally separated at
birth. The skilled ensemble of energetic performers masterfully took on multiple roles (as characteristic to WhatsTheirNames) and took the audience on a trip of laughter, confusion, and glee. Joseph Zammit (playing the two Antipholuses) and James Ryder (playing the two Dromios) were a magnificent duo, both masterfully switching between their characters. Their dynamic was a pleasure to watch throughout (and I do feel bad for James because of the multiple beatings he had to endure)
Next, Becky Camilleri (playing Adriana) and Tina Rizzo (playing Luciana) made me smile expectantly every time they came out. While Becky let out Adriana's jealous wife frustration excellently through her voice, Tina gave us all we needed to know simply through her facial expressions. Anything she did made me chuckle, especially while trying to help Adriana seduce her husband, not knowing it was actually his twin brother.
Last and definitely not least, Gianni Selvaggi and Sandie Von Brockdorff took on several, but impactful, characters. While Sandie had me laughing at her physical changes, her display multiple accents left an impression on everyone. Gianni's characters were just as impactful and left us wanting more from each persona that he put on. Needless to say, the costume changes were endless.
Chris Gatt, who clearly loved working with this cast, directed WhatsTheirNames The Comedy of Errors. The night was made complete with audience participation fun, drinks and music that made the run of this show perfect for the summer season.
We should all go show WhatsTheirNames some love and support for giving many of us the night we truly needed after this lockdown.