The Comedy of Errors

by William Shakespeare

Shakespeare’s fast-paced comedy is staged in a contemporary world into which walk three prohibited foreigners who see everything for the first time.

Close up photo of Lenny Henry and Lucian Msamati

The Comedy of Errors

by William Shakespeare

Two sets of twins separated at birth collide in the same city without meeting for one crazy day, as multiple mistaken identities lead to confusion on a grand scale. And for no one more so than Antipholus of Syracuse and his servant Dromio who, in search of their brothers, arrive in a land entirely foreign to their distant home. A buzzing metropolis, to the outsiders it appears a place of wonderment and terror, where baffling gifts and unexplained hostilities abound.

Am I in earth, in heaven, or in hell? Sleeping or waking? mad or well advised? Known unto these, and to myself disguised!

Consistently recognised by strangers, the visitors question their very selves as the turmoil escalates. Meanwhile, Aegeon, father to the Antipholus twins, has been captured searching for his sons and, as an illegal immigrant, is sentenced to death at sunset.

Do you know me, sir? Am I Dromio? Am I your man? Am I myself?

Lenny Henry plays Antipholus of Syracuse.

National Theatre Live

The Comedy of Errors will be broadcast to cinemas across the UK and around the world on 1 March 2012 as part of National Theatre Live. Find your nearest cinema and book.

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