“"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

CLASSIC JOHN GODBER COMEDY TEECHERS HEADS TO THE NEW VIC

John Godber’s renowned side-splitting comedy Teechers heads to the New Vic from Tuesday 3 to Saturday 7 February 2026. Originally written in…

Read Article >
News Article

NEW VIC BORDERLINES GROUPS IN FULL FESTIVE SPIRIT

Celebrating a year of creative triumphs, three New Vic Borderlines groups marked the culmination of their year by sharing festive themed performances…

Read Article >
News Article

NEW VIC CO-PRODUCTION THE PRINCESS AND THE PEA HEADS TO LONDON

Following its international premiere on Broadway, New York in October 2024, the New Vic’s co-production of The Princess and The Pea will…

Read Article >