For more than four centuries, The Comedy of Errors has delighted audiences with its whirlwind of mistaken identities, romantic misunderstandings and escalating chaos. Next month, Shepherd’s Purse Theatre Company breathes fresh life into Shakespeare’s enduring comedy with an immersive dinner theatre production staged throughout the enchanting surrounds of Flutterbies Cottage Café in Tyalgum, just twenty minutes out of Murwillumbah in the Tweed Valley, on the far north coast of New South Wales.
Renowned for its inventive approach to classical theatre, the multi-award-winning company has built a loyal following through productions that blur the line between audience and performer. This latest staging promises plenty of laughter, mistaken identities and Shakespearean chaos, brought to life by a talented cast of professional and local actors and theatre makers.
Among them is Sarah McNally, who takes on the role of Adriana, one of Shakespeare’s most spirited and complex comic heroines. Ahead of opening night, The Scoop caught up with McNally to chat about the production, her character, and what audiences can expect when they pull up a chair for this unique theatrical feast.
Tell us a bit about The Comedy of Errors for those less familiar with the story.
The Comedy of Errors is basically a massive accumulation of a bunch of errors. There’s mistaken identity, high emotions, there are people getting beheaded or potentially getting beheaded. Basically, whenever something could go wrong, it does go wrong.
I understand that this is not the first time you’ve played the character of Adriana?
This will be my third time playing Adriana. The first was at Griffith University at the Queensland Conservatorium. That production was directed by Dan Evans, and upon graduation I reproduced that same play with permission from Dan, and we put it on in 2021 as part of the Anywhere Festival. And now, this will be my third time in the role with Shepherd’s Purse Theatre Company.
Let’s talk a bit about Shepherd’s Purse, and their immersive, dinner theatre style productions. What will that look like for this production?
The Comedy of Errors is set in a marketplace so they are setting up the entirety of Flutterbies Cottage Cafe as a marketplace, and some surrounding locations in the village. The audience will get to walk through all these spaces while experiencing the play, and then it will end at the main stage. They also get a two-course dinner, which includes dessert and a goblet of mulled wine.
Sounds like it’s going to be a fantastic night. I’d love to throw out some rapid-fire questions. If you had to sum up The Comedy of Errors in three words, what would they be?
Heightened. Slapstick. Ridiculous.
What’s the biggest laugh you’ve had in rehearsal so far?
One of the actors, Trent Taylor-Brain, who’s playing Dromio of Ephesus, he gets possessed, and last night, it was pretty funny, all the physicality that he was doing in rehearsals.
Which character would you swap roles with for a day?
I would definitely take up one of the Dromios, either Dromio of Syracuse or Dromio of Ephesus.
Which cast member makes you break character just from laughing?
Definitely Trent. His physical comedy is hilarious, and he just goes for it every single time.
What’s one thing you have in common with Adriana?
She’s really quick to anger. I think it’s because she’s so passionate, and I feel like I’m a bit like that too.
Who is your favourite Shakespeare character, besides Adriana?
From this play, I would have to say one of the Dromios, but in general, Lady Macbeth.
You mentioned you trained at the Queensland Conservatorium as part of their inaugural Bachelor of Acting course. What advice would you give to drama school students about surviving a course like that?
It’s all about exploration. You have the time at Uni to try out a bunch of different things. I think it’s really about getting out of your comfort zone and seeing what works for you. Uni is really the place to take risks, and it’s okay if you fail sometimes.
And finally, what’s something you would like readers to know about the play?
If you come to see The Comedy of Errors, you need to throw your perceptions of Shakespeare out the window. It’s ridiculous, it’s really silly. We normally think of Shakespeare as this refined theatre style, but it’s not. Come and have some laughs, and you’ll figure out what’s going on, even if you are not familiar with the language.
Sarah McNally appears in The Comedy of Errors, presented by Shepherd’s Purse Theatre Company from 9 – 18 July. Flutterbies Cottage Cafe, 23 Coolman Street Tyalgum NSW 2484.
The season is completely sold out. Join the waitlist by calling 0488 713 241.
Tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1541585
Website: https://www.heartsaflameproductions.com.au/shepherds-purse-theatre-co
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/shepherdspursetheatre/ and https://www.instagram.com/sarahmcnally97/
Images supplied.
