'The Merry Wives of Windsor' is not one of Shakespeare's best plays by any stretch, it's not even among my favourites of his comedies, with Falstaff's character writing being less appealing and complex than in 'Henry IV Parts 1 and 2'. It is though extremely entertaining, with lots of sparkling comedic dialogue, memorable characters and interactions and the final scene has heart. Having thoroughly enjoyed and even loved all the previously seen Stratford productions, expectations were high for this production.
After seeing a lot of things seen with high expectations and with a lot of potential spoiled by uneven or worse execution, it was great to see a hugely enjoyable, wonderfully entertaining, accessible and inventive production that lived up to high expectations. Stratford's production of 'The Merry Wives of Windsor' wasn't a tour-de-force or one of the best productions of Shakespeare personally viewed, but it is a fine remedy for anybody feeling down or fed up and is a lot better than the Royal Shakespeare Company production, one of those concept productions that tried too hard.
Did think that occasionally the comedy early on was a touch on the too broad side, even for farce.
However, this production of 'The Merry Wives of Windsor' hits almost all buttons. It's incredibly well acted, with Geraint Wyn Davies portraying a Falstaff that's at times appropriately grotesque without the lecherousness being overdone, very funny in a never overplayed or mugged way and with a degree of charm and pathos without being too sentimental. Gordon S. Miller, in a performance that is very different from his chilling Iago in 'Othello' had me in hysterics as Caius, very over the top but in a gleeful way and never grating. Graham Abbey does jealousy, befuddlement and indignity so well individually and balances them beautifully, not being too cruel or blustering.
One mustn't overlook the ladies. Brigit Wilson and Sophia Walker are both charming and funny and are a sparkling double act. Lucy Peacock is a lively and often outrageously fun Mistress Quickly, watching somebody eat has seldom been funnier. The chemistry between the cast is full of exuberance and polish, they definitely looked as though they enjoyed working with each other. Not once is it disconnected. The ambience feels great too, very authentic.
Visually, the production is never too fussy while being elegant and tasteful. The costumes particularly and a lot of work clearly went into Falstaff's make up and look. The music has a lively energy while never jarring with the period. Shakespeare's dialogue positively sparkles and has some truly beautiful prose as well. The staging never dulls in momentum and the comedy doesn't strain, it's genuinely hilarious while not being gimmicky or repetitive. Yet the heart and charm of the play are also not lost, the final scene is beautifully done. Falstaff's treatment never came over as too cruel, which is not easy to do for a character that is not always easy to root for. Plenty to love for those that know the source material, everything is recognisable while not being too safe, while also accessible for first timers, which has been a general strength with Stratford's filmed Shakespeare productions.
In conclusion, great. 9/10.
