AN early work by Shakespeare, “The Comedy of Errors” was based on plays by the ancient Roman playwright Plautus.

Bell Shakespeare’s production is contemporary in setting and style with a very physical and comic approach that received responses of laughter and applause from the opening-night audience.

The device of mistaken identity is common in Shakespeare’s works and the addition of two sets of identical twins might confuse while entertaining. However, this is a performers’ play and audiences should just relax and enjoy the fun induced by a very polished ensemble of actors.

The cast of Nathan O’Keefe, Septimus Caton, Renato Musolino, Hazem Shammas, Elena Carapetis, Jude Henshall, Eugene Gilfedder, Anthony Taufa, Demitrios Sirilas and Suzannah McDonald offer a masterful and lively exhibition of responsive acting; simply making the most of every situation and moment.

The set is contemporary and allows for recognisable scenes of night life in a big city. The use of many doors gives a farcical element to the comedy with many slapstick falls and bumps.

Bell Shakespeare has always handled Shakespeare’s comedies with flair. While sometimes struggling with tragedy, comedy proves to be the company’s niche. “The Comedy of Errors” is a great example of bringing complex text to life and maximising its engagement with audiences.