Watching as a novice to the theatre world, and Melbourne alike, the Australian Shakespeare Company production of The Merry Wives of Windsor came as a shocking delight of a decade’s worth of references, crude-at-times humour paired with the comfort of a warm summer night.
Upon entering the serene set placed on the Southern Cross Lawn of the Royal Botanic Gardens, we were greeted by friendly ushers who pointed us to the bar and snack stand, serving a variety of beers, cocktails, sodas and wines. Then we were led down the aisle parting the low-rise lawn chair seating area.
Before the show’s 7.30 p.m. start, upbeat tunes from John Lennon and other pop-rock pieces set the mood for the chaotic plot on the brink of unfolding.
There was no turning away as soon as the cast took the stage for the erratic opening.
The 1970s inspired garb, nods to Star Wars and mix of stubborn and tame personalities made for a foundation anyone could affix to.
Through the first hour and 20 minutes, the cast kept us on our toes with ironic props, farcical monologues and slapstick action.
As each character’s motives became clear, friendships unfolded bringing out flaws and hysterics among the Ford and Page families.
Host of Windsor’s Garter Inn, Sir John Falstff pursued the wives of the respective households, played by the passionate Elizabeth Brennan and commanding Anna Burgress; driving himself into mischievous obstacles, while the women joined forces to take him down.
The Ford and Page husbands’ reactions elicited plenty of laughter, Luke Lennox as George Page without a care in the world and Frank Ford, played by Jackson Mcgovern, a jealous wreck.
Other plotlines, surrounding the primary pursuits of Peter Houghton’s character, John Falstff, engaged us, including the marriage of young Anne Page, played by Madeleine Somers, the escapades of the priest Sir Hugh Evans, taken on by Dion Mills and the Elvis-like look of Tony Rive’s character, Doctor Caius.
A 20-minute intermission came just as the sun had almost completely set, making for the perfect time to get a drink refill or a warm coffee from the snack stand. String lights over the seating area painted a romantic scene and music played as we awaited the cast to close out the show.
In the second half, running just under an hour, a musical number provided something different from the show’s start. Mistress Quickly, played by Tash Herbert, a character in the middle of the action throughout, led the number from the top of the simple yet adept set.
The show ended with an unexpected, full-circle scene leaving us off on one last laugh.
Theatre lovers and those in the market for a joyful summer night have until 25 January to experience acclaimed Director Glenn Elston Oam’s take on the tumultuous comedy, mustering a chuckle from almost any viewer. The welcoming setting and captivating cast are something Melbourne locals and visitors would enjoy.
For more info & tickets please click here.
Image credit: Ben Fon