Theatre Review: The Massive Tragedy of Madame Bovary

When Flaubert wrote Madame Bovary in 1857, I'm not sure if he imagined a cast of four playing every character, bouncing around the stage, performing magic, and reacting to non-diagetic sound.

I cannot overemphasise how silly this production is! It is a joyful explosion of madcap mayhem, with dozens of costume changes per minute, and a healthy disregard for the fourth wall.

I'm unfamiliar with the original text, but I assume the horny nuns, dodgy rat-catchers, and squeaky-voiced pharmacists are all 100% accurate. And, if not, someone should re-write the novel to include them. #JustMyOpinion.

As well as being meticulously staged (no room for error with this production) it is also perfectly paced. I find most shows slow down in the 2nd half - not so here! If anything, the action picks up, leaving the audience breathless with laughter.

The direction is exquisite. The three-sided Southward Playhouse isn't the easiest space to direct for, but the cast give equal love to all corners of the stage. The sex scenes in particular are inventively staged and give the audience a unique insight into the characters.

But, best of all, it is funny. There isn't a slack moment in the whole show. The cast exhaust themselves running about the place, doing a variety of silly accents, and expertly wrangling their props. I can only imagine the chaos backstage.

Is it a particularly festive show? Well, there are three (un)wise men and a (lapsed) virgin, so yeah, I think it counts.

The show is currently in previews, which means tickets are cheaper this weekend. Go on, treat yourself!