THE Handlebards are something special. Innovative, energetic and absolutely hilarious, this quartet of actors brought Shakespeare’s The Comedy Of Errors to life in an open-air performance in the Museum Gardens on Wednesday afternoon.
Two pop-up marquees created the backdrop to the piece, as Paul Moss, Tom Dixon, Calum Hughes-Mcintosh and Callum Brodie multi-roled their way through an hour and a half of intelligent, playful theatre.
It was no easy challenge for only four actors, as they told the tale of two brothers, separated in youth, and unknowingly thrust together in a wave of errors as their identities become muddled by everyone around them.
Yet the actors led the audience through this confusing tale with crystal-clear clarity. Their performances were extravagant, exaggerated but never over-dramatic. An all-male cast is not something one sees much of anymore, but the Handlebards took on their female roles with poise and prowess, reminding you that all-male companies are not something to be overlooked.
The beauty of this production was its ability to please everyone. While two rows of enthralled children giggled their way through the play, audience members young and old laughed along behind them, picking up on different moments. This kind of theatre is the perfect introduction to Shakespeare at whatever age, with the language made extremely accessible by a fantastic grasp and translation of its meaning.
While appealing to modern humour, the actors played up on the script’s funniest moments, so as the audience laughed and revelled in the action, it felt like what a true Shakespearean comedy should be about: fun.
This was by far the most innovative and exciting production of a Shakespearean comedy I have seen in a long time.The Handlebards return to York to perform A Midsummer Night's Dream and Hamlet in July, and if you didn’t make it out this time round, make sure you don’t miss out again; this is contemporary Shakespeare at its best.
P.S. The Handlebards will present two Shakespeare plays at the Merchant Adventurers' Hall, York, this summer: A Midsummer Night's Dream on July 28 and Hamlet on July 29, both at 7pm. For tickets and information: phone 01904 654 818; email enquiries@theyorkcompany.co.uk
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