Mr Hall's introduction to this edition gives a really good background to the history of the play and explains why he felt it necessary to adapt it the way he did; in essence restoring the play to it's truest form after years of being performed in versions that were at least poor, but possibibly travesties.

This is a great read but I would really like to produce it on the amateur stage in York.

The language is fast and furious as is the action and the contrivances seeming somehow natural. I like my theatre to acknowledge that it is that, and is in some way artificial and accepts a relationship with the audience using asides and the like. This play does that, but does not descend into pantomime.

The characters are richly drawn when they need to be, but needless back stories are avoided - so the play just continues to roll foreward apace.

Mistaken identity in theatre is an idea as old as the hills, but when done well, as it is here, the results are often hilarious, occassionally very moving and extremely satisfying.


SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Funny!   May 31, 2001
 0 out of 2 found this review helpful

this was so great that after reading the script i went out to see it to relive the humour, and the use of slapstick comedy and commedia dell'arte, my advice would be read it and if you have, go and see it!!!