Shakespeare back on the HIF calendar with welcome return of Oddsocks Productions

The lovers of live performance are in a treat this summer with the welcome return of a Harrogate International Festivals favourite.
Oddsocks Productions, famed for their fun-filled, high-energy performances of Shakespeare classics, will be bringing their version of the Bard’s The Comedy of Errors, to RHS Harlow Carr for two nights in July. (Tuesday, July 6 and Wednesday, July 7).

The evening, being staged in the grounds of the famed gardens is one that is full of fun and plenty of audience participation, in this family friendly adaptation of a Shakespeare classic.

The Comedy of Errors tells the story of a servant and master from far off Syracuse arrive in Ephesus in search of their long-lost twin brothers.

In no time at all they are trapped in a terrifying chain of chaotic events. Tormented by a wild wife, a moody mistress, challenged by a crazy jeweller and damned by a demonic doctor, the terrified twosome run headlong into a climactic happy ending which defies all probability.

Sharon Canavar, Harrogate International Festivals Chief Executive, said: “We are delighted to be bringing Oddsocks Productions back to Harrogate this July.

“As an organisation that is best-known for delivering a wide-range of cultural events and festivals, the last 15 months have been particularly challenging for us.

“So many people have told us that one of the things they have missed most during Covid is the magic of live entertainment, and they can’t wait to get back out to them.

“Oddsocks Productions have been a firm favourite of ours for decades and I couldn’t think of a more fitting play than The Comedy of Errors to help bring some much-needed laughter to the town.

“For those who have never seen a Shakespeare play, this is a must, and suitable for all ages. Oddsocks Productions have a unique talent of making Shakespeare highly enjoyable. This is a feel-good family theatre show, and one that is made even better by its outdoor surroundings.

“So pack your picnic and join the crazy theatre troupe for a festival of music, magic and mayhem.”

As this is an outdoor event, the audience is asked to dress appropriately for the British weather, and the make the most of the event, picnics, rugs and deckchairs are also highly recommended.