Directions Theatre Pty Ltd
2017 Shakespeare in the Gardens: The Merry Wives of Windsor
Directed By Tai Gardner
Directions Theatre Pty Ltd is pleased to announce their 19th production in the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens in February 2017 will be Shakespeare’s only thoroughly English comedy The Merry Wives of Windsor. According to theatre legend, Shakespeare wrote The Merry Wives of Windsor in a rush at the command of Elizabeth herself. The Virgin Queen couldn’t get enough of Falstaff, the fat rogue knight from Henry IV, and wanted to see him in love.
Down on his luck, Falstaff thinks the citizens of Windsor will be easy pickings, but he’s been wrong before. In his misguided attempt to seduce the Wives of Windsor, Falstaff makes the mistake of sending two friends the same letter, and they will have their revenge.
Falstaff and the Wives, Mistresses Page and Ford, struggle for the upper hand in their games of wooing and deception against a backdrop of larger than life characters. A jealous Master Ford eyes his wife’s activities warily. The impulsive French doctor Caius is caught in a love quadrangle with Page’s daughter, a gallant of ill repute and a fool spurred on by his enthusiastic uncle and the Welsh Priest. In this quiet English town, everyone has an agenda, but it’s not always clear who is playing whom.
This lively production of one of the Bard’s sillier romps features the talents of a mix of new and old actors to the Shakespeare in the Gardens stage.
WHAT? The Merry Wives of Windsor directed by Tai Gardner
WHEN? 10 February to 4 March 2017 with shows Tuesday to Saturday at 7PM
HOW MUCH? Tickets will be $25 adults and $15 concession.
Available at the Gate (cash only) or at Centertainment
Patrons are advised to bring blankets and a picnic which may include alcohol
Ros Peck
