The Comedy Of Errors

The Comedy Of Errors

Shakespeare’s classic farce “The Comedy of Errors” returns once again to a London stage where it will take to the Olivier National Theatre under the watch of Dominic Cooke. But the chance to witness the work of the world’s most famous playwright at one of the most prestigious venues in the country is not the only thing going for this upcoming production. The play also boasts a star in the form of Lenny Henry, the well known comedian who has turned to Shakespeare in recent years and impressed people around the country. The show arrives at the South Bank venue in November 2011.

“The Comedy of Errors” came early in the career of William Shakespeare and as a result it had the honour of dealing with themes and concepts that would become staples of his work. In “The Comedy of Errors” it is mistaken identity – which would appear in “Twelfth Night” and “As You Like It”, among others – that takes centre stage as we are introduced to two sets of masters and servants. They discover that they are each others’ long lost twin brothers and by coincidence wind up in the same town and mix with one another’s friends unknowingly. The earliest known performance of the play was in 1594 and as a result it has stayed in the public consciousness for over 400 years.

Lenny Henry has enjoyed a long career in the spotlight, though his comedic background made his decision to take on “Othello” at the West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds, a surprising one. It would later transfer to the West End’s Trafalgar Studios and it brought him plenty of attention and proved that he was a multi-talented performer. He first came to the public’s attention in the 1970s when he appeared on a television show called “New Faces” and he would go on to appear in the likes of “Chef!”, “The Young Ones”, “The Lenny Henry Show”, “Live at the Apollo” and, more recently, “The Magicians”.

This season at the National Theatre also features the likes of “Juno and the Paycock” and “Collaborators” whilst National shows such as “War Horse” and “One Man, Two Guvnors” continue in the West End.

“The Comedy of Errors” appears at the Olivier National Theatre from 29th November 2011 (previews from 22nd November 2011) and then continues in repertoire.

Venue Information and Directions

Olivier Theatre
National Theatre, Upper Ground
SE1 9PX

Seating Plan

Directions

Directions
Take the Northern or Bakerloo line to Waterloo station. The theatre is a 10 minute walk.