Folksy Theatre returned to Millets Farm Centre with another romping open air Shakespeare production. Blessed with gorgeous weather, this was a perfect evening to sit and bask in The Merry Wives of Windsor. As the sun set we journeyed to the
The Merry Wives of Windsor is a strange text within the Bard's body of work. A cavalcade of colourful characters circle each other, playing japes through a rather inconsequential narrative. It's his only British-set comedy, a spin-off from one of his histories, and takes a really good production to make work for a modern setting.
Thankfully director Tom Harwicke has marshalled his cast and created a wonderful explosion of theatrical energy.
The play is propelled by a terrific quintet of actor-musicians, who each take on multiple parts and are rarely offstage (a modest affair that can't contain the actors as they bustle on and around it, spilling into the audience). George Evans makes an uproarious Falstaff, even gaining audiences' sympathies for the rather problematic figure. Scott Lindsay has a fine line on pathetic, fragile men both as a jealous-filled Ford and a weedy Slender. Fred Newns is captivating, especially as Mistress Quickly. Stephanie MacGaraidh charms as Mistress Ford and gains oodles of laugh as a series of other ridiculous characters. And Kirsty Geddes is a fabulous Mistress Page and a wonderful presence throughout. Together these five breath life into Merry Wives of Windsor. They comfortably interact with the audience, bringing us into the play. And they perform the regular musical interludes with aplomb. Composer Andrew Armfield has done some fabulous work with these numbers.
And really this is the strength of Folksy Theatre's take on the Bard. It's an audience friendly one, powered by an ensemble that are each given moments to shine. Any weaknesses here feel textual, but the company's style elevates a lesser Shakespeare comedy to make it a delightful evening in good company. I can't wait for their return next summer.