Merry time with Shakespeare under the stars
The AJN reviews The Merry Wives of Windsor, being staged outdoors at Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens as part of the Australian Shakespeare Company’s summer season.
ON a mild Melbourne summer night you could not ask for a better setting to watch Shakespeare under the stars than the Southern Cross Lawn, tucked away in a corner of the Royal Botanic Gardens.
Staged by the Australian Shakespeare Company and directed by Glenn Elston, it has become part of Melbourne’s outdoor theatre tradition to add some modern touches to Shakespeare’s classics, and The Merry Wives of Windsor is no exception.
Set in 16th century England when it was common for courtiers to seduce married women, Shakespeare turns the tables as two housewives living in the town of Windsor prove to be more than a match for the disreputable Sir John Falstaff (Peter Houghton), who tries to seduce them in order to blackmail their husbands.
The women, Mistress Ford (played by Elizabeth Brennan) and Mistress Page (Anna Burgess), have little trouble outwitting and humiliating Sir John, leading him on a merry romp.
Meanwhile, three suitors seek the hand of Anne Page (Maddie Somers, Mistress Page’s daughter, adding to the drama.
There are numerous plot twists and turns, including some that are convoluted and far-fetched, along with vaudeville-style slapstick comedy, double entendres and feats of physical comedy that make good use of the large stage and gardens.
While there are plenty of humorous one-liners and sight gags, not all hit the mark.
Sound bites of hit songs cleverly signal scene changes, but some of the modern staging effects left the audience puzzled.
Nevertheless, the energetic cast keep the action moving at breakneck speed during the 2-hour 30-minute (including interval) production.
The Australian Shakespeare Company’s The Merry Wives of Windsor, which opened last month, continues until January 25.
For more information and bookings, visit shakespeareaustralia.com.au
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