The Merry Wives of Windsor, Guildford Shakespeare Company - ★★★★★ - Until July 27, 2019


A joyful evening of sparkling frolics in a lovely setting. Shakespeare's comedies, especially when outdoors, can be a minefield, but here we had a riot of truly funny business combined with excellent diction and some terrific characterisations. The play is about the triumph of women over doltish men but this was not hit home with a sledgehammer. We were allowed to work things out for ourselves. Although it would be churlish not to begin with mention of Peter Gordon's superbly jocund Falstaff, every cast member excelled in their roles. James Burton's Ford/Brook is up there with the best. Emma Fenney and Sarah Gobran as Mistresses Ford and Page ruled the roost in their Margo Leadbetter frocks. The other actors doubling vital roles were side splitting at times. The 1970s mise-en-scene by Caroline Devlin worked a treat with great music and dancing. The big fight was hilarious! A word of praise for the spot-on effects. Amusing attention to detail right down to Ford's lurid underpants. The use of the venue's unique facilities really worked. We won't spoil the final treat, but let's say you will be out of your seats at the curtain call. Well worth the journey for such smashing fun!

Reviewed by D.S.J.

 Our Score:  ☆☆☆☆☆ 

WHEN, WHERE, GETTING THERE:
Until July 27, 2019
Tue - Sat: 7:30 pm, Sat: 2:30 pm & Sun: 4 pm
Stoke Park Railway, Burchatts Farm Gate
Nearest station: London Road
https://www.guildford-shakespeare-company.co.uk/merrywives/
Map & Location: London Rd, Guildford GU1 1TU, UK

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