The Merry Wives Of Windsor

Brighton Open Air Theatre (BOAT), Dyke Road, Wednesday, July 15, to Sunday, July 26

NEXT week’s production of The Merry Wives Of Windsor is a series of firsts.

It will be the first time the BOAT has collaborated with neighbouring Dyke Road theatre Rialto and satirical favourite The Treason Show.

It will be the first time stage magician Paul Zenon has taken on such a major acting role as Bardolph.

And it will be the first time The Treason Show’s Mark Brailsford has directed Shakespeare.

“A few years ago I said to Dave Mounfield he had got to play Falstaff, and I would love to direct him,” remembers Brailsford, who early in his career starred in several touring Shakespeares, including a production directed by the late Ron Moody.

“It’s a fresh challenge for me – completely different from The Treason Show. I’ve loved adding The Treason Show elements.”

So the legend goes Queen Elizabeth commissioned Shakespeare to write about Falstaff in love, having seen his comic role as young Prince Hal’s companion in the two Henry IV plays.

It sees him court two wealthy women in order to gain a pecuniary advantage – but ends up the butt of their superior wits.

Some scholars have dismissed the play, alongside The Comedy Of Errors, as some of Shakespeare’s more frivolous work.

“This is the precursor for tropes in today’s sitcoms,” says Brailsford.

“There are similar characters and characterisations, it’s very topical about the politics of the day, and Falstaff’s comeuppance wouldn’t look out of place in Ayckbourn’s comedies.”

That’s not to say he hasn’t had to make some cuts to the Latin in-jokes and more time-sensitive comments.

“There is one very Treason Show moment, but it is absolutely Shakespeare,” says Brailsford. “I’ve just changed one word to make a topical reference – but it still fits in the period.”

He’s promising that rain will not stop play, and is hoping this will be the first of many summer collaborations with the BOAT.

“At this time of year the Rialto Theatre is more music-based,” he says. “This fitted with the rhythm of our theatre, and the Treason Show calendar. It will be a Brighton take on Shakespeare with a Treason Show twist.”

Starts Wed to Sat 7pm, 3pm matinees Sun, tickets from £10/£8. Call 01273 725230.