diff --git a/src/hamcrest/core/core/raises.py b/src/hamcrest/core/core/raises.py
index c62bc0c..3677c13 100644
--- a/src/hamcrest/core/core/raises.py
+++ b/src/hamcrest/core/core/raises.py
@@ -41,7 +41,9 @@ def _call_function(self, function: Callable[..., Any]) -> bool:
 
             if isinstance(self.actual, self.expected):
                 if self.pattern is not None:
-                    if re.search(self.pattern, str(self.actual)) is None:
+                    if re.search(self.pattern, str(self.actual)) is None and self.pattern != str(
+                        self.actual
+                    ):
                         return False
                 if self.matcher is not None:
                     if not self.matcher.matches(self.actual):
diff --git a/tests/hamcrest_unit_test/core/raises_test.py b/tests/hamcrest_unit_test/core/raises_test.py
index 8532da4..dbf4240 100644
--- a/tests/hamcrest_unit_test/core/raises_test.py
+++ b/tests/hamcrest_unit_test/core/raises_test.py
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 import sys
 import unittest
 
-from hamcrest import has_properties, not_
+from hamcrest import has_properties, not_, assert_that
 from hamcrest.core.core.raises import calling, raises
 from hamcrest_unit_test.matcher_test import MatcherTest, assert_mismatch_description
 
@@ -130,6 +130,19 @@ def test_gives_correct_message_when_wrapped_with_is_not():
     )
 
 
+def raise_error(msg):
+    raise AssertionError(msg)
+
+
+class ParensTest(unittest.TestCase):
+    def test_literal_parens(self):
+        message = "Message with (parens)"
+        assert_that(calling(raise_error).with_args(message), raises(AssertionError, message))
+
+    def test_parens_in_regex(self):
+        assert_that(calling(raise_error).with_args("abab"), raises(AssertionError, r"(ab)+"))
+
+
 class CallingTest(unittest.TestCase):
     def testCallingDoesNotImmediatelyExecuteFunction(self):
         try: