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Pete Burrows, as Antipholus of Syracuse, and Jo Russel, as Luciana, in The Maskers Theatre Company's production of Comedy of Errors

THERE'S trouble in the air with Shakespeare's hilarious The Comedy Of Errors, the first production by the Maskers Theatre Company at Hamptworth Lodge.

It's one of Shakespeare's shortest plays and is generally regarded as his funniest, relying heavily on mix-ups and witty dialogue. This is almost flat-out farce with elements of slapstick humour, stand-up comedy and pantomime.

Life in Ephesus is pretty 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 makes life as enjoyable as it gets for a servant.

Both are unaware that they each has a twin brother, from whom they were separated in childhood. All is well until the two lost twins, also called Antipholus and Dromio, appear in Ephesus searching for their siblings and father.

What follows is a hilarious tale of wild mishaps based on mistaken identities. Servants mistake masters, doctors mistake patients and wives mistake husbands leading to wrongful beatings and accusations of infidelity, theft and madness.

Shakespeare's brilliant plot twists and turns as he creates a wonderful progression of moods.

All of this is set against the backdrop of the beautiful gardens and grounds of Hamptworth Lodge.

Directed by Brian Stansbridge, The Comedy Of Errors runs from Wednesday to Saturday, July 16 to 26 at 7.45pm, but with no performance on Monday July 21.

Audiences are asked to bring their own seats or rugs and they are welcome to picnic in the gardens from 6pm.

To book, ring 023 8071 1818 or visit www.ticketsouth.co.uk.

9:17am Tuesday 8th July 2008

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