"The opening night of The Merry Wives of Windsor was an absolute joy. Full disclosure: two-thirds of the cast are friends of mine, but I was interested regardless. I've seen The Scottish Play and "Everybody Dies" several times, but I'd never seen this Shakespearean comedy.
"It was hilarious. There were scenes where the audience was literally roaring with laughter. I am far from an authority but Will peppers his plays with diverse characters, and ordinary situations which, although written 500 years ago, are instantly recognisable today. We relate, and therefore we laugh. Today's soap operas, sitcoms, and farces had their origins half a millennium ago.
"ALL the cast were having enormous fun. Robert Jackson and Kaitlin Okely balanced each other wonderfully. Cameron Leese strutted befittingly, whilst Jason Dohle bumbled comically. Nigel Goodwin brought his Monty Python and the Holy Grail A-Game to the table, and for the Hogwarts fans Barry Potter was in fine form.
"Publicity and word of mouth have suggested that Grant Malcolm is channeling Brian Blessed. Grant does not disappoint. It's a fine and generous actor who can alternately propel a scene, and then relinquish control as the script requires.
"But if your production intends to live up to its title, then you'd better damn well cast a couple of strong female leads. And in Anna Head and Meredith Hunter, The Merry Wives of Windsor showcases two of Perth's most accomplished actresses. They owned that stage, ran rings around poor Grant's character, and had the audience in hysterics. And did so with an almost casual effortlessness, as though Shakespearean comedy was the most natural thing in the world. Their chemistry was undeniable and their stage presence indisputable.
"Congratulations to director Thomas Dimmick, and all involved, for a fantastic piece of theatre and a marvelous evening's entertainment."
JARROD BUTTERY, FACEBOOK
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