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Henry Hitchings's rating
, Return of the The Merry Wives of Windsor romp
By
Henry Hitchings
20 Aug 2010
When first presented at Shakespeare’s Globe two years ago, Christopher Luscombe’s interpretation of The Merry Wives of Windsor proved a resounding hit. The first production of the play since the Bankside theatre reopened in 1996, it transformed this usually rather flaccid comedy into a spirited romp. Now it makes a welcome return before heading off to the US later in the year.
In The Merry Wives, Falstaff isn’t the complex creation we see in the two parts of Henry IV — currently being beautifully played at the Globe by Roger Allam. Instead he is a delightful comic figure, and Christopher Benjamin endows the role with warmth and charm.
Recently arrived in Windsor, Falstaff tries to give his finances a boost by cosying up to the wives of a couple of wealthy local citizens. He’s convinced they are interested in him, detecting what he calls “the leer of invitation”. His lack of perceptiveness becomes a source of ripe humour.
Magnificently bearded and dressed in a fat suit, Benjamin looks like an Old Testament prophet, but he’s throaty, frisky and particularly good at conveying the character’s frailties, as when he rheumatically stoops to signal his ardour.
There’s engaging work across the cast. Andrew Havill’s Ford, whom Falstaff tries to cuckold, owes a lot to Basil Fawlty — he’s a twitching neurotic, caught between unction and disdain — and there’s a great deal in Luscombe’s production that smacks of sitcom. Especially enjoyable is the interplay between Serena Evans and Sarah Woodward as the objects of Falstaff’s affections, goading him into ever-greater humiliations.
Prudent cuts make this an accessible and nicely paced production. It feels jaunty and conversational rather than dense with peculiar verbiage. Janet Bird’s design is imaginative and does a neat job of involving the groundlings, while the small band playing venerable instruments gives an enthusiastic account of Nigel Hess’s whimsical music. Fun throughout, this Merry Wives seems set once again to be a seasonal crowd-pleaser.
Until October 2. Info: 020 7401 9919.
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
