“"The best Shakespeare around!"”

The Merry Wives

Friday 5 February–Saturday 27 February 2016

Northern Broadsides in partnership with the New Vic Theatre

Directed by Barrie Rutter

The charisma and zest of Northern Broadsides squeezes every last ounce of comedy gold from Shakespeare’s affectionately calamitous tale. It will tickle your funny bone and poke a jovial finger in the eye of middle England.

Barrie Rutter is Sir John Falstaff, past-his-prime and skint! Vain rogue that he is, he attempts to seduce a couple of well-to-do wives – but Mistress Page and Mistress Ford are wise to his plan and exact their 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.

 

 

 

Friday 5 February–Saturday 27 February 2016

Photo Gallery

Image by Nobby Clark

Reviews

Star Star Star

"Carry on Falstaff..."

Alfred Hickling, The Guardian
Star Star Star

"comic revenge romp..."

Roger Foss, The Stage

" a big hit..."

Jayne White, The Sentinel

"not to be missed..."

Carol Lovatt, Reviews Hub

"verve, energy, noise, and… well… merriment..."

John Hargreaves, Native Monster
Star Star Star Star Star

"Rich, ribald and hilariously funny..."

Anne Cox, Stage Review

Latest News

News Article

PIONEERING DOCUMENTARY MUSICAL GOOD GOLLY MISS MOLLY RETURNS TO MARK NEW VIC’S 40TH ANNIVERSARY

The pioneering documentary rock musical that helped define the New Vic Theatre’s signature actor-musician style will return to the theatre this April…

Read Article >
New Vic Borderlines' Next Chapter group sit on chairs scattered around a giant snakes and ladders board on the New Vic's stage

NEW VIC BORDERLINES MARK EMOTIONAL HEALTH AWARENESS DAY WITH PERFORMANCE OF THINGS WE DON’T SAY, UNTIL NOW

To mark Emotional Health Awareness Day, New Vic Borderlines’ Next Chapter and Chapter 2 groups present Things We Don’t Say, Until Now…

Read Article >
The Peace Garden outside at the New Vic Theatre. Credit Jenny Harper

NEW VIC HOLD VIGIL TO MARK FOUR YEARS SINCE THE START OF THE UKRAINE WAR

In association with local Ukrainian groups, New Vic Borderlines will hold a vigil in the New Vic’s Peace Garden on Tuesday 24 February 2026…

Read Article >