Last Updated on September 14, 2025
A new take on Shakespeare’s Merry Wives of Windsor:
3.5 out of 5.0 starsAll is not so merry in this brand-new take on one of Shakespeare’s beloved comedies. The Merry Wives of Windsor has long been considered a frothy comedy of limited proportions, but this new production adds a layer of depth and sincerity to what is otherwise a pure romp of a play. As associate artistic director of Shakespeare’s Globe, Sean Holmes is no stranger to the Bard’s comedies, and this production showcases a director indisputably working in their element – even if everything is covered in a luminous green paisley print.
The Merry Wives of Windsor is a strange play for a number of reasons, not least because it is a curious addition to the widely beloved character of Falstaff. The boisterous drunkard and (at the time) beloved favourite of Prince Hal, is introduced in Henry IV and eventually killed off in Henry V. Although Falstaff isn’t the titular character in the Merry Wives, his pratfalls hold our attention. Out of luck and out of cash at the beginning of the play, he decides to employ a ‘get rich quick’ scheme that involves the seduction of Mr Ford and Mr Page’s wives. Upon becoming aware of the dastardly plot, the wives decide to trick Falstaff by feigning an interest in his advances, landing Falstaff in hot water, and at one point, literally in the Thames.
Plays full of hijinks, hysteria and hyperbole, even if they are by Shakespeare, require a strong cast and particularly strong leads to work. Thankfully, this production of The Merry Wives of Windsor has them in abundance. George Fouracres is becoming a regular at Shakespeare’s Globe, and a good thing too, as he makes for an outrageously enjoyable Falstaff. Despite possessing a deep crimson shade of narcissism, and always appearing with a goblet of booze in hand, he still manages to come across as a lovable conspirer. He is an undeniably charming lead, even if his performance occasionally brings Matt Berry to mind.
Despite Fouracres’ success, it is The Merry Wives themselves who make this production tick. Emma Pallant and Katherine Pearce play Mistress Page and Mistress Ford, respectively. Pallant is delightfully precious as Mistress Page, but is also no stranger to giving in to her vengeful side, while Pearce’s Ford is more mischievous and spirited, but, as it turns out, more tragic. The pair’s scheming delight is not only fun, but defines the direction of the show. Special mention should also go to Adam Wadsworth, who plays both Doctor Caius and Slender, for equally hilarious performances.
Although the choice of backdrop, a headache-inducing pastel green 70s paisley, is slightly bemusing, Grace Smart’s designs are largely successful. Clever costume details denote allegiances and remain a reference during the most baffling of scenes. Although costumes remain similar throughout, the end of the play, where everyone dresses up as fairies to tease Falstaff, showcases Smart’s more weird and wonderful ideas, complete with bone headdresses and dark angel wings.
Without totally ruining the surprise twist, Holmes’s alteration to the story raises the production’s stakes, giving weight to a comedy plot that could be considered overly frothy. Holmes’s decision to cut some of the flab generally suits the pace of the production. Although some pacing issues in the first act give you the impression that there could be more to dispense with, on the whole, the comedy is steadily revealed. Holmes has achieved a fine thing with this production: a play that fully delights in all the colour and wit of Shakespeare’s prose, whilst also giving its audience something refreshingly new.
The Merry Wives of Windsor:
The Globe,
21 New Globe Walk,
Bankside
London, SE1 9DT
Tickets are available here.
Run time: 2 hours 40 minutes, including a 20-minute interval
Tickets available until 20th September 2025
Looking for more recommendations? Check our theatre previews for Bankside and The South Bank
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