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Phil has changed characters and is no longer playing Angelo and Dr Pinch but Balthazar and I think that this was a good move as it is a much bigger part.
As this version of The Comedy of Errors has been updated and set in modern times, Balthazar has been turned into a cop. He isn't a nice character and is blackmailing people, beating them or playing one person off against another, and then there is the moody attitude.
Dressed as a cop he waits by the door whilst the audience are going in but doesn't say a word, just staring at them. I was unlucky enough to have to walk past him and it was very unnverving as he looks so mean and has stubble which adds to the mean effect.
Phil spends the start of the show, and a couple times during it, chasing people all over the stage and into the wings and back out again - Phil must be really fit as he didn't look out of breath at all.
He gets to show how he moves during two dance routines, the very funny Dr Pinch, which has him wiggling his hips and Stand by your Man which is so funny and so simple, I had tears in my eyes during both of them. And I think his dancing has improved as he really can dance now.
Phil plays no instruments as Balthazar but that's not to say that he doesn't play. One side of the stage is dominated by the frontage of the church and when the characters aren't appearing in the main play, they change into nuns and monks and become the on-stage band. Phil plays guitar, keyboards and sax, both his normal alto one and a masssive one which I'm not sure what it is.
It is a very different and clever Shakespeare production and one that I did thoroughly enjoy.
As this was only the first preview then I'm sure the performances will get stronger and I look forward to seeing the show a couple more times.
Phil Reed Fan
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