A Comedy of Errors – or was it Singing in the Rain?

A Comedy of  Errors in Albert Square Gardens 

I really should know better than to return to England during Wimbledon – two weeks famous for the spreading of tarpaulin covers over wet grass – or worse before Glastonbury weekend – even more famous for mud glorious mud!  Why should this weekend be any different?

I woke up with my bedroom bathed in glorious Tuscan sunshine, closed the shutters, emptied the bins and dashed with my luggage through the shimmering  heat towards the airport – cursing the need to carry a jacket in case it was cold in the UK .

When I landed in Gatwick at least the sun was still shining,  but by the time I walked home from the tube station I was plashing through the puddles – my white trousers and sandals looking much the worse for the experience.

I dressed up warmly, English style,  for the theatre – outside in Albert Square Gardens – with limited expectation of pleasure – but happily, notwithstanding the downpouring rain,  The Principal Theatre Company delivered a fine performance of The Comedy of Errors – with unexpected Motown Legend backing music.

The photo I have used below is taken from the theatre company website on a happier date when the sun shined and the cast were warm – our audience ,as shown above,  wore Tweeds, Barbours, Pacamacs, boots, travel rugs and umbrellas!

The cast were fantastic – however good Gene Kelly felt about it – singing in the rain is not an easy thing to do – and hearing the words was difficult for the audience when the rain came thundering down on our umbrellas -but the cast gambolled gamely on throughout the unlikely plot with such professionalism to the extent that we all began to really enjoy this crazy performance of Shakespeare’s play.

I wish I could say that the clouds lifted at this point and we all sang along at the finale in the evening sunshine – but this is England – the rain got even heavier – the actor’s hair and summery clothes were drenched and we really were all shivering when we left  – but full marks to the Principal Theatre Company – our applause was genuine – they did a great job!

local photos taken 27.6.13 by Seamus Hyland 

For next performance of The Principal Theatre Company – Box office 020 8807 6680 or Book online www.millfieldartscentre.co.uk