Audition Date: Thursday 11 April, 7:30pm
Sir John Falstaff, disgraced at court and down on his luck, is staying at The Garter Inn, Windsor with his ‘gang’: Bardolph, Nym, Pistol and Robin. He decides to restore his fortunes by seducing the wives of two wealthy citizens.
He sends Mistress Page and Mistress Ford identical love letters, but they discover his double dealing and set about turning the tables, arranging an assignation at Mistress Ford’s house.
Angry with Falstaff, Nym and Pistol decide to betray him to the husbands of Mistress Ford and Mistress Page. Frank Ford hearing of Falstaff’s plan is consumed with jealousy and decides to test his wife’s fidelity. Pretending to be a Master Brook, he pays Falstaff to seduce his wife on his behalf, almost catching them together, twice.
Also in Windsor are the elderly Justice Robert Shallow, an old sparring partner of Falstaff’s, his nephew, Slender and his guest, the Welsh schoolteacher/parson, Sir Hugh Evans.
The Pages’ daughter Anne is pursued by three suitors. The French physician Doctor Caius is her mother’s choice, whilst her father prefers Slender, Justice Shallow’s kinsman. Anne herself is in love with Fenton. Mistress Quickly (having given up running The Boar’s Head Tavern and possibly pursuing Sir John) is being paid by all three suitors to promote their cause.
A duel between Doctor Caius and Parson Evans is averted when the Host of the Garter Inn plays a trick on them both.
Events eventually lead to a Halloween prank in Windsor Great Park, where Falstaff is set up for his final punishment - and one of Anne Page’s suitors is successful - but which one?
Tradition has it that The Merry Wives of Windsor was written at the request of Queen Elizabeth I. After watching Henry IV Part I she asked Shakespeare to write a play showing Falstaff in love. But this seems unlikely, as the sources for the story are unreliable. It is more likely that the play was commissioned for a celebration on 23 April 1597. This would date the composition to around the same period as Henry IV Part II.
The Merry Wives of Windsor is largely original and appears to have no major source, although various aspects of the story, such as the ‘surprised wife’ and ‘cuckolded husband’ and the playing of tricks on a prospective suitor, were familiar in literature. The play is notably original in other ways, being one of the first in the English language to celebrate characters drawn from the middle classes, and also to feature women as the prime movers of the comedy.
Join us for a modern dress production of this most farcical of farces, a Shakespearean sitcom, with characters colliding and misinterpreting, expect slapstick and a surprising drag turn! This fast and furious show is an hilarious story of pomposity punctured by true love and real friendship. The character descriptions are a guide only. Please feel free to audition for any part.
We welcome you to audition for this marvellous farce, whatever your experience. If you would like to talk to the director about the auditions, please call Shaun Hughes on 07971 815 883.
Characters
Mistress Ford (Wife) - Mrs Ford decides to teach Falstaff a lesson for his presumption in trying to seduce her, but also to irritate her jealous husband and to expose his foolishness. At the end of the play, Mrs Ford reaffirms her marriage on the basis of trust. A strong and forthright personality, but full of fun and mischief, ready to defend her middle-class values at any cost.
Mistress Page (Wife/mother) - Mrs Page has a trusting husband, loving children and all the advantages of the middle class. Her sense of morality is outraged by Falstaff’s proposals, and sets out with Mrs Ford, to expose the lecher and fraud, whilst enjoying a good laugh at Sir John’s expense. Mrs Page wishes her daughter, Anne, married to Dr Caius - but Anne loves Fenton. A strong equal to Mrs Ford. They are very close and have often defended themselves against the male world.
Anne Page (Daughter/Lover) - Anne is the model of middle-class purity in appearance; however, she is not easily lead. She is a strong personality who will not be derailed from her intentions. Anne resists her parents’ choice of suitors, as she has her own plans for a better life with her choice of partner.
Mistress Quickly (Housekeeper/gossip) - Mistress Quickly, the talkative housekeeper of Doctor Caius, uses her intimate friendship with Anne Page to turn a profit. She lets anyone think they have a hope of successfully wooing Anne Page and takes a large bribe from each suitor to advance their bid. A big personality.
Sir John Falstaff (Errant Knight) - Falstaff is self-consciously pompous and eloquent, self-pitying when the occasion arises, and always ready to exploit a situation. A famous character who revels in the best and worst human traits - fond of drinking, eating, wooing, and drinking some more. A warm-hearted rogue with as many good attributes as bad. He represents the folly of manhood and yet also the best of us, all at the same time.
Fenton (Lover) - Fenton is impetuous and courageous, his love for Anne Page knows no bounds - he is blind to all other issues. A little foolish, but very heroic.
Shallow (a Judge) - Shallow is defrauded and swears to be revenged on Falstaff. He encourages the courtship of Anne Page and his nephew, Slender. A vengeful person who has not had the best of luck. He has low esteem for all, and high regard for himself. Pompous and self-righteous.
Slender (Nephew to Shallow) - Slender prefers talking nonsense to courting women. However, at his uncle’s insistence, he makes several romantic advances to Anne, deluding even himself into thinking that he’s in love with her. A kind person who is easily lead by others.
Ford (a Merchant of Windsor) - Ford is a very jealous husband who sees conspiracy round ever corner. A truly angry person, the ‘red mist’ descends, and all are suspected of deception. He disguises himself as Master Brook to interview Falstaff to hopefully expose his wife’s deceit. He eventually learns the folly of his jealousy and declares his eternal love for his partner.
Page (a Merchant of Windsor) - Page is more reasonable than Ford, but he cannot see the folly in his own choice of a husband, Slender, for his daughter Anne. His values are solidly middle class; however, good sense (and good humour) eventually prevails, and he consents to the marriage of Anne and Fenton. A man of some power in the community and consequently a little bombastic.
Hugh Evans (Welsh School Teacher/Parson) - Evans is a comical character, who is very self-righteous. Falstaff belittles him and he takes revenge wherever he can. (Welsh accent required).
Dr Caius (French Physician) - Dr Caius is erratic, and like Ford, he is quick to anger and slow to cool. He even demands satisfaction in a duel when he feels he has been exposed to ridicule. A very physical role with much posturing, both verbally and physically. (French accent required).
The Host (he/she/they) of the Garter Inn - The Host’s chief motivation is to enjoy life whilst helping others. A calming influence who is always able to see the best way forward. A kind-hearted person.
Bardolph (he/she/they), Pistol (he/she/they), Nym (he/she/they), Robin (he/she/they) (all followers of Falstaff) - Referred to as a motley crew of thieves and rogues with mutual contempt for all - themselves included. Nym seems to never stop talking; Bardolph drinks excessively; Pistol is the most venomous of Falstaff’s inner circle and Robyn a servant. A true collection of larger-than-life characters.
Simple (he/she/they) - A servant to Slender and a messenger and interpreter of schemes.
