A review of The Merry Wives of Windsor

                                                       How Merry Were The Wives?


I think that unfortunately many people only think of Shakespeare with regard to whichever play they studied at school.  For my 'A' levels (more than a few years ago), I read Othello and although I have seen Shakespeare performed since then, The Merry Wives of Windsor was my first comedy.

The story centres around Sir John Falstaff (David Troughton) as he plans to ensure a comfortable retirement by seducing the wives of two wealthy men, namely Mistress Ford (Beth Cordingly) and Mistress Page (Rebecca Lacey).  It doesn't take long for the wives to realise Falstaff's intent and the two women set in motion a plan to ensure Falstaff receives the comeuppance he deserves. 

Intermixed within the story are those fighting for the love of Mistress Page's daughter, Anne (Karen Fishwick). There is the preferred suitor of her father, Master Slender (Tom Padley), the preferred suitor of her mother, the French Doctor Caius (Jonathan Cullen), and then there is Master Fenton (Luke Newberry) who Anne loves. 

The production is very clever and blends the twenty first century into the Elizabethan era.  This is visible in the costumes with suit jackets on top of pantaloons, and jeans and trainers next to ruffled collars.

David Troughton is excellent as the ageing and overweight Falstaff, and there is a stellar performance from the whole cast.  Mistress Page sitting in the spa could easily have come from a certain show based in Essex, whilst Dr Caius reminded me of a character from 'Allo Allo.'

The play has been given a modern twist with mobile phones on view, a dirty wheelie bin instead of a laundry basket, and even a reference to Bexit!  There are some real laugh out loud moments during the performance as this adaptation makes the play more accessible to those who may not have seen Shakespeare before. 

This is a bright and fresh production.  For anyone wishing to see their first Shakespeare play this would be the perfect opportunity and for anyone else wishing to have a fun evening at the theatre, this is definitely worth a visit.

The  production can be seen at The Barbican until 5th January 2019.
For tickets visit: https://www.londonboxoffice.co.uk

Review - Caroline or Change

                                                          Review of Caroline or Change


Situated right next to Embankment underground station, the Playhouse Theatre is small enough to create a feeling of intimacy, that works well for this musical.

Set in the early 1960's  the audience sees a reflection of the major changes happening in America, through the life of Caroline Thibodeaux.  Caroline is a black maid working for the Gellman family in Louisiana, America.  She needs her job although she hates it, but cannot leave for fear of not finding anything else.  The pay is poor and she struggles to pay her bills and support her children.

The Jewish family Caroline is working for have their own problems.  Eight year old Noah is living with his father Stuart, and step mother Rose.  His mother has died and the impact of this is still visible. The father is distant from everyone, the son doesn't even want to be touched by his step mother and Rose is struggling to find her place in the family.

The struggles of the extended Gellman family are highlighted when they come together to celebrate Chanukah. Whilst I found this scene almost a stereotype of a Jewish family, there was a real feeling of empathy towards Rose.  She is trying to be the perfect wife and mother.  She feels isolated and frustrated, but is desperate to hold the family together.

Meanwhile we see Caroline struggling in the basement where she does the laundry and her only escape is through the radio.  As she works, Noah tries to spend his free time with her, finding comfort in her company, but this leads to a moral and financial quandary during the story.

The musical won the Olivier for Best New Musical in 2007, and you can understand why.  The music is varied in style from blues to Motown, and the vocal performances from the whole cast are excellent.  Sharon D Clarke, plays the struggling Caroline beautifully, and you feel the heat and oppression of the basement that holds her inside it both literally and figuratively.

The show is only playing a limited run until April 6th 2019.  If you want to see something original and quirky, with a real blend of humour and pathos played out against a fabulous score, then this is definitely worth seeing.
For tickets visit: https://www.londonboxoffice.co.uk