Productions

Pick one of these moments, settings or relationships from The Comedy of Errors to investigate how they have been staged in performance.

As you explore you will find picture galleries from past productions and things to consider as you look at these.

  • The World of EPHESUS

    Investigate this world

    How has Duke Solinus’ world been represented and staged? ​

    All the action in The Comedy of Errors takes place in the city of Ephesus, a bustling marketplace where ships come and go from around the world. Ephesus has strict rules, particularly for anyone visiting from Syracuse, an enemy city. Egeon, a Syracusan merchant, arrives illegally to find his lost wife and son and is sentenced to death unless he can pay a hefty fine. The look of Ephesus when Egeon (and Antipholus) first arrive as desperate strangers is important in setting the tone of a production of the play.

    Take a look at the Things to Consider and investigate the different ways we’ve staged Duke Solinus’ world in past productions in this picture gallery.

    Things to consider

    As you look through the images and photographs from past productions of The Comedy of Errors, think about:

    • How is Duke Solinus dressed when he sentences Egeon? Is he in military uniform? Is he surrounded by guards? How could you use his entrance to affect Egeon?
    • Whether some productions are very different or if there are lots of similarities. In the 2021 production, director Phillip Breen set the play in a Gulf state such as Abu Dhabi or Qatar and worked with the design team to create a feel of luxury and global wealth but also a transient world where people come and go. What effect do you think this has? What might it suggest about Egeon’s fate?
  • The Dromio Twins

    Investigate these characters

    How have the Dromio twins been represented and staged?

    The Dromios are so alike that no one, not even Dromio of Ephesus’ wife Nell, can tell them apart. Shakespeare uses twins in other plays for comic and dramatic effect and it is always a great moment when they are seen together for the first time. Here, the Dromios are not seen together until the very end of the play.

    Take a look at the Things to Consider and investigate the different ways we’ve staged the Dromio twins in past productions in this picture gallery.

    Things to consider

    As you look through the images and photographs from past productions of The Comedy of Errors, think about:

    • How masks might be used for the twins. Traditionally, in theatre and the arts, masks can tell the audience a lot about the person wearing them. How could this be useful in a production of The Comedy of Errors?
    • Whether some productions are very different or if there are lots of similarities. In the 2021 production, director Phillip Breen worked with the design team to choose simple costumes and hairstyles for the Dromios that made them look similar. What effect do you think this has?
  • Antipholus of Ephesus’ Door

    Investigate this scene

    How has Antipholus of Ephesus’ door been represented and staged?

    Antipholus of Ephesus is married to Adriana, a rich woman. He has quite a reputation in Ephesus and has lots of servants, including Luce and Nell the kitchen maid. The moment when he is locked out of his house and half the household shout at him through his own door is one of the key comic scenes in the play, particularly as neither Dromio realises they are talking to their own twin.

    Take a look at the Things to Consider and investigate the different ways we’ve staged Antipholus of Ephesus’ door in past productions in this picture gallery.

    Things to consider

    As you look through the images and photographs from past productions of The Comedy of Errors, think about:

    • Whether we can see through the door or not. Is it funnier to only see one side of it? If so, which side? If the door is to be invisible, how would you stage this?
    • Many servants are named in this scene but not all of them appear or have lines. How many servants would you bring on? What kind of activities could they have within the house and what could this suggest about the household they work in?
    • What kind of door is it? An imposing one with lots of locks and bolts? Does it have a letterbox to shout through or pass things through? How might the type of door add extra comedy to the scene?
  • The Reunion

    Investigate this moment

    How has the Reunion been represented and staged?

    The Reunion in Act 5 takes place outside the priory, a place of sanctuary in Ephesus. Most of the cast are on stage at this point. There is much confusion to be sorted, many characters who need to be able to see each other for the first time and have their ‘moment’. Any production has to think carefully about how to stage this scene.

    Take a look at the Things to Consider and investigate the different ways we’ve staged the Reunion in past productions in this picture gallery.

    Things to consider

    As you look through the images and photographs from past productions of The Comedy of Errors, think about:

    • The design of the priory. Depending on what sort of building this is, there could be steps leading up to it or a grand entrance. What could this add to the action and impact of Act 5? Could it be used to give a different feel to the rest of the play in terms of design?
    • What appearance does Emilia have in this scene? She is described as an Abbess - what sort of costume would make the most impact for her appearance? Could she have a veil or head covering to remove in order for Egeon to recognise her? How would you show her religious or medical role in costume design?
    • Whether some productions are very different or if there are lots of similarities. Look at the production gallery and compare the choices for the reunion that our different design teams have chosen. Can you suggest why these decisions have been made? What do they add to an audience’s enjoyment of this part of the play?