Theatre Reviews by Phyl Romeril for Local Guardian

Wadham Players Theatre Group – The Merrry Wives of Windsor

The Wadham Players were again fortunate with the weather for their annual visit to Willow Cottage – just one storm hazard, so I am told.

There was no problem with the performance I attended.

The Merry Wives of Windsor is one of Shakespeare’s most light-hearted comedies and adapted well to the idyllic setting in the open air.

The production merited praise for the players and their director, Michael Michael.

The cast showed off their keen grasp of the text throughout the performance.

A few in the cast need to better understand the difficult art of projecting in an open-air theatre, but the overall show was nonetheless pleasant, amusing and played in traditional style. The merry wives who plotted the downfall of Falstaff were well matched in June Gray (Mistress Page), who delivered a strong performance in both character and projection, and Alison Rhodes (Mistress Ford).

The central character is course Sir John Falstaff.

Andy Gillies was not only well-endowed physically to portray the hard-pressed knight but revealed exceptional acting resources. He was no buffoon but a clever impersonator who moved with agility while retaining the correctness of character.

With so much space ‘down in the dell’ and such a large band of players, attention was never allowed to falter.

Scenes and venues changed quickly, comings and goings were constant and a great amount of concentration was politic.

There were many other characters essential to the plots.

Elaine Elliott added her expertise as Mistress Quickly, Keith Cummings as the elegant French physician, Noel O’Callaghan as young Fenton and Chris Millington as Frank Ford.

Young Christiana Christodulou played Anne Page with confidence, leaving an impression that she is fast becoming a talented young actress. This was a traditional well-dressed Shakespearean experience play by a team of actors who worked in harmony whether they were in leading characters or supporting roles.

David Mason and Christopher Powell were responsible for lights and sound; Dave Housden made the props and furniture and the delectable costumes were designed and handmade by Christine Howell.