Shakespeare in the sumptuous surroundings.
THE audience came prepared for the drizzle that engulfed Hamptworth Lodge, which for the first time hosted the Maskers Theatre Company's summer show.
This year the Southampton based group, which is celebrating its 40th birthday, put on Shakespeare's Comedy of Errors, thought to be one of the bard's first plays.
Certainly, with the beautiful Tudor house as the backdrop at Hamptworth, between Romsey and Salisbury, and the sumptuous surroundings of the gardens and the archery lawn, where the play was hosted, you could be forgiven for thinking you were indeed back in Elizabethan times.
Comedy of Errors is pretty much a flat out farce which tells the tale of two sets of twins.
Life in Ephesus is quite idyllic for Antipholus and his servant Dromio.
Antipholus has an adoring, if slightly jealous wife, a lovely house and a good lifestyle.
Dromio has a special rapport with his master which at times allows him say as he sees, but also to expect a clout!
Both are unaware that they each have a twin brother from whom they were separated at childhood.
When the two lost twins, also called Antipholus and Dromio, come into town looking for their siblings and lost father, things get really confusing!
The Maskers once again produced a slick show, despite the drizzle, and performed a slapstick strewn play with humerous results.
The stars of the shows for me were the two Dromios, Rob Praine and Matt Avery, for their silly stunts and amusing antics.
The actors, who had good direction from Brian Stansbridge, used all the space offered to them, with the chase scenes spilling into the audience, and on one occasion one of the Dromios hid under an umbrella.
This was a thoroughly enjoyable show in perfect surroundings, so don't let the weather put you off going to see it!
Comedy of Errors runs at Hamptworh Lodge, just off junction 2 of the M27, until Saturday July 26.
To book tickets ring 023 8071 1818 or visit www.ticketsouth.co.uk.
11:51am Saturday 19th July 2008
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