Directed by Ryan McBryde and featuring vintage pop tunes performed by a raucous band of actor-musicians, The Comedy of Errors is the perfect way to celebrate 50 years of the Mercury Theatre. We caught up with Nichole Bird who plays Dromio of Ephesus in the piece.

For those who might not know, tell us about The Comedy of Errors.

The play is about two sets of twins who are born on the same day. One pair are the children of a Merchant Egeon and his wife Emilia. They adopt the other set of twins from a poor woman and they become servants to their boys. Shortly after they are born, the family are separated by a shipwreck. When grown Antipholus and his Dromio go searching for their brothers, they arrive in Ephesus where the other set of twins have settled which causes an hilarious sequence of mistaken identities and mishaps. The play is farcical, fun and silly but also very heart-warming and is about these characters finding wholeness when reunited with their family.

The Comedy of Errors is one of Shakespeare’s many classics. What makes this production of it unique?

What makes this Mercury Theatre production unique is its wonderful setting in a 1920’s luxury hotel - Hotel Ephesus! It creates a great backdrop for the play, the hotel is a microcosm of the world wonderfully intensifying the action as all the characters are contained within this place that begins to bubble over with confusion, frustration and suspicion as the plot unfolds. Also, the 1920s has this fab hedonistic vibe which comes to life in the music that runs throughout the whole show. Everything is played or sung by the cast and our Musical Director Jess Dives has done a great job at adapting modern tunes to the classic 20’s style and sound. It feels really accessible and fun which is what makes this production such a joy.

What is it like to work with your real-life twin sister, Danielle, in this production?

We have had some practise at it over the years having done a range of theatre, TV and film together! I think this particular play is very fitting to us both, being identical twins, as we are always mistaken for each other in life but in this context, we can relish that and use it to the full comedic advantage. We enjoy slapstick and physical comedy, which the Dromio twins can play with a lot. We enjoy having the opportunity to play these fun roles together but actually, within this plot, the whole premise is that we are apart until the end!

You both previously appeared in The Comedy of Errors at the Chester Storyhouse. What has it been like to return to the play but in a new production?

It’s always with fresh eyes! The design, direction, cast, costumes all inform choices and makes it brand new. I have also never played this part before as I played the other Dromio previously, so it is a totally different role. I take so much from the actors I’m working with and you build your characters and relationships uniquely with them, so although familiar it’s been lovely to approach it in a different way. I think Ryan McBride, our director, has introduced a fab and fun concept to this! Also, James Button has designed such a sensational set for our Hotel Ephesus, its facilitated so much farce in the show. I think this play is even more poignant to me post lockdown, as the notion of being separated from loved ones and finally being able to re-unite is so much more emotional now.

What was the highlight of the rehearsal process for you? Have you learnt anything from working on this production?

It’s hard to pick a highlight as it’s been really inspirational working with everybody. I’ve really enjoyed creating all the fights and slapstick in the show but also loved being able to get our boogie on with some 1920’s dancing. Our movement director Michaela Meazza has been marvellous at getting us into spirit and hedonism of the day. I’d love to keep that up!

You've both appeared in several Shakespeare plays over the years. How do you approach the text and creating a character when the language isn't written in the way we might speak today?

Gosh, I don’t think there is a straightforward answer to this meaty question but to start, some solid text analysis is good. Researching anything you don’t understand, looking up the meaning of words and essentially paraphrasing it in your head so it makes sense to you. Also, understanding that what underpins the text is of course the thoughts and emotion of the character - which is universal in any language. I like to explore what the character says about themselves, what the others say about them - I find that can be quite informative. How does this character respond and what is their attitude to the situation which can often be found in the text? And rehearsals! Having a space to ask questions and take on the director’s vision too.

Why should audiences come to see The Comedy of Errors? What do you hope people will take away with them after seeing the show?

It’s a fantastic introduction to Shakespeare but enjoyable for everyone. It’s silly and funny, has lots of physical and visual gags and loads of wonderful music. What’s not to like! Hopefully you’ll leave feeling uplifted and with a smile. Come along to join the party!

The Comedy of Errors runs at the Mercury Theatre until 28 May, with tickets available here.