Posted by: Sam Woods
What do Shakespeare and Super Mario have in common? Well, this summer, there’s a lot more than you’d think!
From June 28 to August 16, 2025, local theatre legends a Company of Fools are hitting the road – or rather, the parks – with a retro-gaming twist on Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors. Performing in over 35 local green spaces across Ottawa, including Old Ottawa South’s Windsor Park (July 5 & August 16), this outdoor theatre event promises to be one of the city’s most joyful, accessible family nights out of the season.
In true Fools fashion, the performance is fast-paced, funny, and farcical – perfect for a blanket picnic and an all-ages crowd. Whether you’re a Shakespeare superfan or haven’t touched the Bard since high school, this is theatre designed to make you laugh, not scratch your head.
“It’s got mistaken identities, twin chaos, and now warp pipes,” laughs Fools Artistic Director Kate Smith. “What more could you want?”
A tale of two… sets of twins
One of Shakespeare’s earliest and most farcical plays, The Comedy of Errors follows two sets of identical twins who were separated at birth. When Antipholus and Dromio of Syracuse arrive in Ephesus, where their long-lost twin brothers live, confusion, slapstick, and escalating absurdity ensue. Arrests, identity mix-ups, near breakups, and a joyful reunion cap this delightfully dizzying ride.
This year, the Fools give the play a pixel-powered facelift, reimagining the story through the colourful chaos of the Mushroom Kingdom. Think: princesses, power-ups, and plenty of plumbing jokes, all while staying true to Shakespeare’s classic text.
Theatre for everyone
What makes the Fools’ summer tour such a staple of Ottawa summers? It’s theatre that comes to you. Performances take place in public parks across the city and are completely pay-what-you-can, making them as accessible as they are entertaining.
“This show is for everyone,” says Smith. “We perform in your neighbourhood park, so families don’t have to travel downtown to see professional theatre. And with no ticket price, cost doesn’t have to be a barrier. Bring your kids, your parents, and your dog! We invite folks to laugh together under the setting sun.”
Meet the team
Directed by Patrick Gauthier, the production features design by award-winning artists: Vanessa Imeson (costumes), Andrea Steinwand (set and props), and original music by David daCosta, all wrapped together by the stage management genius of Abigaile Gagnon.
The cast includes six powerhouse performers: Drew Moore, Mark Kreder, Laura Del Papa, Maryse Fernandes, Erin Eldershaw, and Jacqui du Toit, each taking on multiple roles with lightning speed and a good dose of silliness.
Mark your calendars
Grab your blanket, your snacks, and your favourite player two. The show runs Monday to Saturday at 7:00 pm, clocks in at a zippy 90 minutes, and is perfect for families, date nights, or anyone curious to see what happens when Shakespeare meets a Power Star.
Catch performances near you:
- Windsor Park: Saturday, July 5 & Saturday, August 16
- Lansdowne Park: Thursday, July 24
- Brantwood Park: Tuesday, August 12
- Full tour calendar: fools.ca
So, whether you’re into Shakespearean mix-ups or nostalgic game nights, this year’s Comedy of Errors brings the best of both worlds – and you don’t even have to leave your neighbourhood to catch it.
Sam Woods is the Marketing & Communications Manager for a Company of Fools.
Featured in the July-August 2025 OSCAR.