#redrosechain

[eddydaylia-blog]

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Teching the show at the avenue with red rose chain. #superhamlet64 #bossbattle #rockets #sword #videogames #waf2017 #wandsworthfringe #redrosechain #avenuetheatre #brightonfringe #otherplacebrighton #bathfringefestival #ipswich #shoeboxtheatre #swindon #buxtonfringe #greatermanchesterfringe #gmfringe2017 (at Red Rose Chain)

[eddydaylia-blog]

Ready to tech the show #superhamlet64 #avenuetheatre #redrosechain #ipswich (at Red Rose Chain)

[eddydaylia-blog]

More great finds and chat tables while postering for Hamlet 64. Ipswich is full of lovely types. #superhamlet64 #lordrust #ladynorfolkandlordrust #ladynorfolk #shop #theatre #avenuetheatre #ivorygoatgames #redrosechain (at Ivory Goat Games)

[eddydaylia-blog]

Loving the cucumber sandwiches on offer for redrosechain's the importance of being ernest! (And the cakes 😋#avenuetheatre #redrosechain #importanceofbeingearnest #ipswich #cucumbersandwiches (at Red Rose Chain)

[themixstowmarket-blog]

Review: Shakespeare's 'A Comedy of Errors' by Red Rose Chain

After losing one of his twin sons in a shipwreck, unlucky Merchant Egeon is also put in prison for travelling to a rival city. But events take all sorts of twists and turns as more strangers arrive in town and a several cases of mistaken identity cause utter chaos! 

In a confusing case of mistaken identity, Red Rose Chain combine masterful comic timing with compelling storytelling in this fiery adaptation of Shakespeare's classic. 

The stage is set, the woods are alive with chatter and rock 'n' roll music. Just walking to the seating area is an experience. Every detail from fairy lights to glow sticks  has been thought about, the atmosphere is all important. The set and props work in harmony with the woodland setting, complimented moreover by the skilled ensemble cast who dart and weave through the trees in this high-octane, frivolous comedy.

The script is 95% Shakespearean dialogue, but modern references and puns keep even those who can't decipher their 'hast's' from their 'hast not's' interested. I was certainly lost at points, (it's been a while since I delved into my A-level Shakespeare paperbacks) but the fast pace and down to earth delivery kept me on my toes... or certainly at the edge of my picnic blanket!

Lawrence Pears stood out for his comedic abilities, his charming and witty performance kept the show enjoyable for younger audiences. He got lots of squeaks of laughter from the kids in the back row as he donned black leather look leggings, a dominatrix whip and long black wig in just one a handful of quirky, ridiculous characters he played throughout the evening.

In fact, you have to hand it to the whole cast who jump seamlessly from one character to another, sometimes juggling three different characters in quick succession. The entire second act gets progressively sillier with multiple costume changes, hilarious songs and plenty of raucous behaviour. Watch out especially for the gold lame body suit and rendition of Sister Sledge's 'We Are Family' led by Kirsty Thorpe.

See 'A Comedy of Errors' if you're looking for fun, laughter and very different kind of evening.

Embrace the woodland setting and bring drinks, snacks and friends; you might leave with an obligatory mosquito bite, but it certain won't ruin your enjoyment of the show. 

'A Comedy of Errors' takes place at Jimmy's Farm, and is running throughout July and into August alongside Emily Bronte's 'Wuthering Heights'. For tickets and more information, please call the Box Office on 01473 603388 or visit the Red Rose Chain website.

- Review by Leah Kurta