It is with appreciation that I note the efforts made from The Merry Wives of Windsor towards making theatre more accessible to a wider audience. Those who might normally be put off by the large regal looking theatres, confined seating, and wordy content of some plays, can relax. The mix of low rise chairs and picnic areas for seating immediately bring a more casual and laid-back feel to the experience.
Shakespeare Under The Stars has returned once again to delight Melbourne audiences throughout summer and Glenn Elston presents The Australian Shakespeare Company’s new production of The Merry Wives of Windsor, a fresh take on a Shakespeare comedy that has been entertaining the masses for over 400 years.
The cast begin by introducing their characters and basic relations to each other. In addition, the costuming by Karla Erenbots aligns to sections of the set representing the different houses or families in The Merry Wives of Windsor. These clever details make it easy for the audience to quickly learn the characters and follow along with the plot, even if you’re unfamiliar with Shakespearean language.
Directed by Glenn Elston OAM, this production of Shakespeare’s The Merry Wives of Windsor is full of life, laughs and unexpected surprises. There are Melbourne references thrown in, a C3PO appearance, an ATV driven across and around the stage, and all the camp visuals of the groovy 1970s. It’s a little bit pantomime, a little bit 70s sitcom, a little bit Monty Python, and a whole lot of fun.
The Merry Wives of Windsor follows Sir John Falstaff (Peter Houghton), in his ploys to win over two married women, Mistress Page (Anna Burgess) and Mistress Ford (Elizabeth Brennan). When the two wives hear of his plans to woo them simultaneously, they team up to trick and play pranks on the buffooning and boisterous knight, several times. We also follow Anne Page (Maddie Somers) and her marriage options, with three possible suitors, Slender (Alex Cooper), Doctor Caius (Tony Rive), and Fenton (Callum O’Malley).
The talented cast all deliver strong performances, playing into the over the top and slapstick moments where needed, and getting the Royal Botanical Gardens Victoria audience on their side. Houghton has you pitying even Falstaff, Cooper plays the awkwardness of Slender perfectly with the balance between cringe and endearment met, plus Brennan and Burgess are delightful to watch in their scheming plans.
The whole cast’s physicality and tone easily convey the story and emotions, whether you understand every word of what’s being said or not. I could hear the audience laughing out loud, and all participating in the “aww” and “ooh” moments when encouraged by the characters and the breakdown of the wall between performer and audience added to the light hearted and casual feeling of the evening. After interval, the sun began to set and provided the perfect backdrop for the “spookier” scenes towards the end. The lighting of the stage easily transitioning between the varying outdoor lighting conditions.
I would caution patrons to come prepared for the unique outdoor setting in the Royal Botanical Gardens Victoria. For the most comfortable experience keep an eye on the weather and bring along sunscreen, bug spray, and jackets as needed. The drinks cart selling coffee, tea and hot chocolate was much appreciated by many in the audience after the weather turned cooler at interval on the evening I saw the production. Although there are snacks to purchase available on site, you are also more than welcome to pack your own rug and bring your own food.
The Merry Wives of Windsor is a fantastic night out, and something different than your usual indoor theatre experience. I would highly recommend grabbing some friends and food for a picnic set-up and mixing it up this summer!
The Merry Wives of Windsor is currently playing at the Royal Botanical Gardens Victoria, Southern Cross Lawn until the 25th of January 2025.
For more information and ticketing, visit:
https://www.shakespeareaustralia.com.au/productions/the-merry-wives-of-windsor—melbourne—2025
https://www.rbg.vic.gov.au/melbourne-gardens/whats-on-melbourne/the-merry-wives-of-windsor
Photography by Ben Fon.
