Published in 1602 and traditionally believed to have been written at the specific request of Elizabeth I, The Merry Wives of Windsor is one of Shakespeare’s less frequently produced and not so well-regarded plays. It’s a great romp though, and the perfect choice for a summer evening at the iconic “Wooden O” on London’s South Bank.
Sir John Falstaff, the large, impoverished and corpulent knight from Shakespeare’s Henry series, secretly propositions the wives of Ford and Page, with the intention of relieving them of their husbands’ money. He sends both women identical letters hoping to woo them. The women discover that Falstaff is communicating with both of them and decide to lead him on, to mock and shame him and teach him a lesson. Through the meddling of the servant, Mistress Quickly, who is also playing all sides and being paid by everyone, their husbands discover Falstaff’s plans and Ford is consumed with jealousy believing his wife to be unfaithful. He plots to catch his wife with Falstaff so he can confront them. Page is more trusting of his wife, but Ford chastises him, thinking he’s just being naive. Eventually, having been tricked multiple times, Falstaff is thoroughly humiliated in front of the whole town and accepts his wrongdoing. In the middle of this, there’s a sub-plot involving Anne Page, who is being wooed by three suitors, the shy and awkward Slender, French doctor Caius and Anne’s actual love, Fenton. Anne’s parents don’t approve of Fenton due to his previous profligate ways and try to trick her into marrying one of their preferred choices. That, of course, does not work.
Director Sean Holmes brings an authentic air of Shakespearean England to this production. It’s bawdy and raucous and chaotic with the talented and energetic ensemble bringing out every nuance of the story, both within the text and in a good deal of physical and laugh-out-loud comedy. The nature of the theatre and the occasional plane overflying from City Airport occasionally makes the dialogue hard to catch, but not to the detriment of the production overall. George Fouracres’ Falstaff is cocky and manipulative with excellent comic timing. Emma Pallant (Mistress Page) and Katherine Pearce (Mistress Ford) also shine, showing the strong and determined side of the “Merry Wives”. The entire cast are excellent, with some playing multiple roles with skill.
Jacquie Davies’ costumes are gorgeous hues of greens and blues, with matching outfits for the couples and contrasting reds for Falstaff and his entourage. The five-piece band (under the direction of Zands Duggan) echoes the music of the 1600s, with booming percussion and trumpets.
Although maybe not intended by the author, there is a message to the play about honesty and the importance of spouses not rushing to judgement. And also, never underestimating women’s ability to get their own back on a cheating and immoral man. There are disguises, cross-dressing, misunderstandings and, in the end, satisfying resolutions. This production is joyful and fun – great entertainment for a summer evening.
The Merry Wives of Windsor runs until 20th September at Shakespeare’s Globe. Tickets are on sale at https://www.shakespearesglobe.com/
Reviewer: Carole Gordon
Reviewed: 9th July 2025
North West End UK Rating: