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 |  | Reviewed by John Fenner, local actor and theatre reviewer.
Who would have thought that this roisterous tale of Sir John Falstaff in love would have transferred successfully to the austerity of the post-war 1940s?
Not I, but let me say from the outset that Rachel Kavanaugh's conception is a stunning success, as is her direction.
While productions of this Shakespeare comedy are not seen too frequently these days, the efforts of the fat knight to seduce the wives of Windsor, the attempts of their husbands to thwart him and his repeated humiliation combine to give a well-known scenario.
 This is an ensemble production, with everyone contributing and Terry Davies' original music suits the mood of the piece well.
 | 听 | John Fenner, local actor and theatre reviewer
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These events, together with the sub-plot concerning the three suitors for the hand of the Pages' daughter, were vividly brought to life by director and cast.
Richard Cordery gave us a Falstaff stern of face but warm of heart. For a big man (plus padding) he gave the impression of being very light on his feet - especially evident when disguised as the Fords' old witch of an aunt. Despite his excesses, one could not help but have sympathy for the character.
Claire Carrie was a delightfully coquettish Mistress Ford, readily communicating her pleasure at scheming and carrying out her plots to make an ass of Falstaff and Lucy Tregear complemented her nicely as Mistress Page.
The would-be cuckold, Ford, was played with plenty of energy by Tom Mannion, and Greg Hicks came close to stealing many scenes as the French doctor, Caius. His accent and manner were hilarious, although his thick accent made some lines hard to follow completely at times.
Alison Fiske's Mistress Quickly, played as a sort of Mrs Mop, also impressed with her lightness of touch and impish humour.
Although I have singled out certain players deservedly, this is an ensemble production, with everyone contributing and Terry Davies' original music suits the mood of the piece well.
The production runs in Stratford until 25th January. See it if you can.
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