★★★★★
The quaint theatre atop a Highgate pub felt surprisingly well-suited to a musical that premiered on Broadway in 1963.
Based on William Shakespeare’s ‘The Comedy of Errors’, with music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Lorenz Hart, and book by George Abbott, the brilliant ensemble cast nailed their delivery of Shakespearean humour with a modern twist.
The cast’s dynamic was wonderful to take in, with every interaction and duet feeling organic and well-matched.
John Faal and Brendan Matthew, in particular, were brilliant scene partners, seamlessly driving the plot as separate sets of identical twins.
The live band was a beautiful accompaniment, and the seasoned cast members proved they had the pipes to do the original discography justice. Notable mention goes to Caroline Kennedy, Georgie Faith, and Karen Wilkinson’s enchanting vocal arrangement in Act II’s ‘Sing For Your Supper’.
Since its Broadway inception, the song has been covered by the likes of the The Mamas & The the Papas and Cher.
Each performance was as strong as the last, and the audience stayed engaged throughout, delighted by classic slapstick comedy and the farcical mishaps attached to mistaken identity.
The Boys from Syracuse runs at Upstairs at the Gatehouse until September 29.
JADAR 