This adaptation of Somerset Maugham’s classic comedy by Laura Wade, the Olivier Award winning writer of TV’s Rivals, is a triumph.
First published 100 years ago, The Constant Wife is the story of Constance Middleton (Kara Tointon) who appears to have the perfect life as the wealthy wife of a successful doctor. However, her husband John (Tim Delap) is having an affair with her best friend, Marie-Louise Durham (Gloria Onitiri).
Constance’s sister Martha Culver (Amy Vicary-Smith) is desperate to tell her sibling what’s going on because she seems oblivious to her husband’s infideility. Their mother (Sara Crowe) persuades Martha to not reveal the secret but later in the play, we find out, via a clever changing of the stage to create a flashback, that Constance actually knows but has chosen to say nothing as she builds an independent life before the big reveal and taking her unusual revenge.
Kara Tointon, known for winning Strictly Come Dancing and acting in EastEnders and Mr Selfridge, is absolutely brilliant as Constance, and the rest of the cast is outstanding too.
It’s a visually stunning production, with fabulous art deco furniture and 1920s fashion. The music, by jazz artist Jamie Cullum, is perfect for the play.
There are plenty of funny moments with fantastic comic timing. We particularly enjoyed the moment when Martha recaps on the story at the start of the second act when Constance says she always needs a reminder after the interval of what has happened in a play.
Laura Wade adds a modern touch of feminism to the story but her adaptation stays faithful to the 1926 original. The Constant Wife may be a century old but it still has plenty to say about relationships, marriage and equality in society. It’s a slick and stylish production that we highly recommend.
The Constant Wife is at Theatre Royal Bath until 16 May.
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Images by Mihaela Bodlovic
