In the early weeks of rehearsals, we dived back into this wonderful play with renewed vigour and a few safety measures. We dissected the text in detail, all of us reading the play together in a giant, socially-distanced circle on the Royal Shakespeare Theatre stage. We were tested for Covid twice a week. We wore masks at all times, only taking them off to speak or act. We wiped down our chairs with anti-bacterial wipes at the end of each day. All of these things were put in place to keep us safe and soon enough they became second nature. And so we were able to focus on the play and Shakespeare’s wonderful words. 

To sharpen the actors' minds and voices, our director, Phillip Breen, led us on an exploration of Shakespeare’s Sonnets twice a week. Actors stepped up and performed a sonnet each and together we tried to understand what demands these little poetic ‘flashes of lightning’ placed on an actor. Each sonnet has its own set of unique challenges. They teach us a lot about trusting the sounds of the words and letting the iambic rhythm affect us. These sessions were a kind of Shakespearean bootcamp and were a tremendous tee up into tackling the juicy language in The Comedy of Errors. 

Soon we were putting the play on its feet. Comedy is a meticulous business to put together. The timing of certain moments and delivery of punchlines needs patience from all involved. We are trying to find a psychological truth to the characters through lines and to play against the kind of slapstick melodrama that productions of The Comedy of Errors can sometimes embrace. 

The jigsaw puzzle slowly came together. We readied ourselves to take the work outside. 

Preparing a brand new show for a brand new theatre during a global pandemic was never going to be straightforward, right?! Through the technical and dress rehearsals we are learning a lot about the show and how it exists in this exciting new space. The Lydia & Manfred Gorvy Garden Theatre is surrounded by trees. The sound of water and swans from the Avon feel thrillingly close. The canopy above us is the blue sky. The sun beats down and the actors are encouraged to slap on lots of sun cream and drink plenty of water. The RSC is outside in Stratford - a unique and historic moment in its long history. 

And now we wait for our audiences to finally return. Through the week of previews we will learn a lot about the production and carefully adapt the show accordingly. Because of the outdoor setting, the play has an even closer relationship with its audience. The actors can look into the whites of the audience’s eyes. There is no hiding places on stage, we need to perform with honesty, openness and bravery. 

The next few days will be a genuinely life-affirming experience for us and our audience. And for me personally I can’t wait to finish my isolation period and start living life for real, rather than through the confinement of the computer screen. I look forward to seeing you all IRL (in real life) very, very soon! 

Welcome back.