The Merry Wives of Windsor, The RSC Review
Photo by Manuel HarlanWritten by Hollie for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review.
Caution: This production includes: Flashing lights, Gunshots, Sudden loud noises and sound effects as well as references to alcohol and drugs.
One of Shakespeare’s lesser known comedies, The Merry Wives of Windsor has opened at the RSC this month as part of the theatre’s Summer season, and with direction from Blanche McIntyre, leaves a lasting impression on enthusiastic audiences.
This modern adaptation opens in suburban Windsor with its neatly trimmed hedgerows, manicured grass and video doorbells as the use of Shakespeare’s classic language is integrated with the use of modern scenery and costumes to bring this comedy to a modern audience.
With the constant human fascination of life in suburbia and the relationships that are explored between the neighbours, The Merry Wives of Windsor is the most realistic of all of Shakespeare’s plays.
Sir John Falstaff, the male protagonist played by John Hodgkinson, is a chauvinistic mean bully with a portly belly and greedy intentions. Sir John is vying for the attention of more than one of the merry wives of Windsor and attempts to charm them, by writing them identical letters to arrange secret rendez-vous behind their husband’s backs. Nevertheless, this repulsive character is not all as he seems as there are other reasons as to why he sets his eyes on Mistress Page and Mistress Ford.
John Hodgkinson as Sir Falstaff is incredibly funny throughout the show. He is adeptly able to emulate his character through the use of his mannerisms and repulsive comments. There was a lot of hilarity within the audience, particularly during the scenes with the wives and in the final scene of act two.
However, Sir John Falstaff is not the only man vying for women’s attention throughout the production. There are several men trying to win Mistress Page’s daughter Anne’s hand in marriage. Everyone has a different opinion on who should marry her and this second plot is immersed well to run alongside the main story.
The set and costumes, designed by Robert Innes Hopkins, are beautifully crafted through the use of the revolving stage which allows the scenes to change regularly. The attention to detail with modern touches including the signs and cameras of the neighbourhood and the adidas trainers and Nirvana t-shirt really brought the show to life.
The music also provided modern nods to today’s society and I was surprised to hear some classic lyrics from a well known 90s girl band intermingled with music including the use of classical instruments including a clarinet and a flute, composed by Tim Sutton.
In the first act I felt that there was not enough time spent on exploring the merry wives and it was very much from the male perspective. Although the cast is diverse and some equality and inclusion themes are explored throughout, I would have liked to have seen more from the female perspective throughout the production.
The women’s perspectives and their jokes and teamwork were explored more in the second act, and this provided the audience with another viewpoint as their cunning plans took centre stage and exposed the epicurean rascal! The leading ladies, Samantha Spiro who plays Mistress Page and Siubhan Harrison who plays Mistress Ford, are very animated as a duo and their partnership in the second act is particularly joyful to watch.
Will the men be able to charm or wed these heavenly jewels or will certain characters have to redeem themselves and defend their reputation?
With the RSC highlighting this Shakespearean comedy as part of their Summer season, I hope that this play becomes more well known for many more merry days!
The production continues throughout the Summer until 7th September 2024 at the RSC’s Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon.
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
