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