- Venue: Quarry Theatre
- Duration: N/A
- Age Guidance: 12+
- Info
- Credits
- Reviews
More Information on The Merry Wives (2016)
Sir John Falstaff is past-his-prime and skint!
Vain rogue that he is, he attempts, rather clumsily, to seduce a couple of well-to-do wives… but Mistress Page and Mistress Ford get wise to his plan and scheme to exact revenge with hilarious and unimaginable consequences.
If you like your Shakespeare light, funny and wickedly entertaining then look no further. The Merry Wives is bursting at the seams with verbal fun, physical comedy and a bevy of cunningly colourful characters.
Northern Broadsides’ distinctive charisma and zest for performance squeezes every last ounce of comedy gold from this affectionately calamitous tale that will tickle your funny bone and poke a jovial finger in the eye of middle England.
Cast & Credits
Writer William Shakespeare / Director Barrie Rutter /
Northern Broadsides, in partnership with the New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme
Reviews
“ If there is a Shakespearean role which is tailormade for Barrie Rutter, it is the lovable rogue Falstaff.”

“ Northern Broadsides can bring Shakespeare to life as gripping, accessible theatre for today simply by making the words sing”
“ this is just cheerfully silly fun”
“ Northern Broadsides have a vigorous aesthetic, a way of doing Shakespeare that is revelatory”
“ Nicola Sanderson and Becky Hindley are outstanding”
“ This is acting so immediate, so alarmingly intimate....it becomes difficult to believe that anyone could be only pretending”
“ Another success for Northern Broadsides which has come up with a rich domestic comedy to celebrate the genius of our premier playwright”

“ Outstanding Shakespeare: Shakespeare to get excited about and to thrill the senses”
“ This is a company which can deliver comedy with a deft hand”
“ The ensemble is the thing, and the sheer dedication and drive of the company finally takes your breath away, pushing you to your feet come curtain call”
“ Here is the true, beating heart of British theatre”
“ laugh-out-loud comedy”


Book Tickets
Open captioning allows theatre goers with varying degrees of hearing to view the full text as it is spoken or sung, including sound effects and off stage noises. These appear on a scrolling screen, positioned on or at the side of the stage.
British Sign Language InterpretedA signed performance is the usual full production using either the creative use of sign integrated into the performance or a British Sign Language Interpreter on stage interpreting the show for D/deaf attendees.
Audio DescribedAudio Described performances are designed to improve the experience of visually impaired and blind attendees. As well as listening to the dialogue on stage the customer can wear a headset and listen to a live description of the action on stage.
Relaxed PerformanceA relaxed performance is a specially selected show from our programme, with slight adaptations to make it suitable for an audience of young people or adults with learning disabilities. This may include extra lighting, additional wheelchair spaces and the freedom to move to alternative seating if required.
Dementia-Friendly PerformanceDementia friendly performances are for all audiences. The theatre experience is enhanced for people living with dementia and their supporters, with adaptations to front of house service, the show and pre-show information packs. Additional dementia-aware staff, quiet spaces, clear signage and visual markers, sound and lighting adjustments and flexible seating options all help to create a supportive, shared experience.
Sing AlongSingalong with the cast in this exclusive performance. Join in as loud as you like, fancy dress is optional but highly recommended.
Post Show DiscussionParent & Baby Performance
A Parent and Baby performance enables parents to attend the theatre with their baby (under 12 months). We make small adaptations to the lighting and sound effects, including keeping the auditorium lights slightly raised. The seating is unallocated and there is a relaxed attitude to noise.
Booking Fees:
*A transaction fee of £1.95 will be applied to all phone and internet bookings.
Key:
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- Captioned
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- Signed
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- Audio Description
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- Relaxed Performance
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- Dementia Friendly Performance
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- Post Show Discussion
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- Sing Along
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- Parent & Baby Performance