David Pugh

The Constant Wife

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Reviewed by Sophie Rowley

Opening Night verdict ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Filled with style, sophistication and sharp wit, W Somerset Maugham‘s 1926 play The Constant Wife explores the institution of marriage, morals and manners turning every expectation on its head with an imaginative alternative telling of infidelity, betrayal and scandal. Being labelled Maugham’s “most clever and captivating creations” he creates the ultimate heroine in Constance Middleton. Always aware of her husband’s extra-curricular activities with her best friend Marie Louise, Constance plays the dutiful wife and in true 1920’s style pretends to live her life in blissful ignorance. That is until the affair is made public, now Constance must decide how she wants to live her new life. Now a century on, how will the 2026 audience receive Maugham’s play?

Fresh from the success of a West End run, Maugham’s story is brought to life in this incredible collaboration by David Pugh, Cunard and the Royal Shakespeare Company. Such a trio, the expectation is high for Laura Wade’s Lowry production. Staring Kara Tointin as the formidable heroine Constance who is far ahead of her time. Once the affair is made public, this allows Constance a clean slate to rewrite her story. Tointin plays this wonderfully, she playfully weaves humour and sarcasm into her sizeable script. Moreover, Tointon brings a wonderful modern twist to Constance and despite being set in the 1920’s era, she still manages to make Constance relevant and daring. Maugham’s script shines though in Tamara Harvey’s direction, it’s clear to see why this show has had the success it has.

Tim Delap brings a subtle depth to John Middleton who has a predilection for women that aren’t his wife. He plays the 1920’s male very well and the entitlement is played to perfection, especially in the second act when John even slips into melodrama. He epitomised the idea that “men are polygamous and should be allowed their indulgences”. Delap mixes charm with arrogance in his portrayal of John, and as an audience member you feel conflicted in your feeling of him. This conflict of character is also seen in Marie-Louise Durham – played wonderfully by Jocasta King, on the surface she should be despised for defying her loyalty to Constance, yet it could be argued she could be pitied for being swept along in a romance that wasn’t hers to take. The obliviousness King shows in Marie-Louise’s actions highlights her selfishness, this combined with her lack of awareness is a very clever character choice and it works. For me both Delap and King excel in their characterisation and must be commended.

Sara Crowe is perfect as a 1920’s mother – filling Constance with the advice of the time yet she managed to get a few cutting insults on her perception of Constance’s life. Combing humour and wit Crowe brings the archetypal 1920’s mother to life. Amy Vicary-Smith is superb as Martha, Constance’s Sister – the “confirmed Spinster” brings postmodernism to the idea of what a woman is – she is independent and fiercely loyal of Constance. She is a businesswoman and unmarried at a time where this was extremely unfeminine. Like Crowe she brings an effervescent humour that makes the play very enjoyable. Jules Brown, whist having a small part as Mortimer Brown plays a pivotal part as the catalyst for the plot unfolding. Alex Mugnaioni’s portrayal of Bernard as the doting lovesick best friend of Constance adds a entertaining side plot to the play. Finally, Philip Rham’s Bentley the butler is endearing as well as a very talented pianist.

Now a moment must be dedicated to discuss the set and costumes created by Anna Fleischle and Cat Fuller. They have been described as ‘fresh and captivating’ and I cannot disagree. The set is filled with 1920’s staple furniture and art deco designs. Fleischle still brings the 1920’s glamour and elegance with a modern twist that you would see on the high street today.  The combination of these sets and costumes complement one another perfectly and the whole creative team have done a sterling job in creating this masterpiece of visual theatre. For the musical score you can do no better than to include original compositions by Jamie Cullum. Cullum’s signature jazzy tones act as perfect scene changes throughout the play.

The whole production team have delivered an exquisite piece of theatre. The cast is superb in each of their portrayals and are complimented perfectly by the beautiful set, stunning costumes and a jazz soundtrack that will fill you with joy.

The Constant Wife is on at the Lowry until 21st March tickets are available here.

Interview | Beverly Rudd | Brief Encounter

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Not only have we been lucky enough to see Kneehigh Theatre’s stunning production of Brief Encounter ahead of its arrival at the Lowry but we also got to chat with the enormously talented Beverly Rudd who takes on an incredible five roles in this inspired production which has been thrilling audiences at the Birmingham Rep since opening on 2nd February.

Telling the story of star-crossed lovers Laura and Alec, Brief Encounter is a thrilling and visually stunning interpretation of the classic forbidden love story many of us know so well. Lowry audiences get the honour of seeing the show which opens on 20th February before it heads to London’s West End for the summer.

Based on the play ‘Still Life’ from which the much-loved film was developed, the production delivers more depth to the characters surrounding the central lovers offering an opportunity to add multiple layers including a sharp injection of humour. With three love stories rather than just the one each of the cast bring different elements to the piece, Beverly Rudd explained, “There is young love, which is exciting puppy love, also a couple older in years who are finding love for a second time alongside the well-known forbidden love story. They are all totally different, the tragedy of the forbidden love works really well with the comedy of the other love stories, something director Emma Rice does really well, she cuts through really serious moments by adding in great humour, because the story is so intense between Laura and Alec the lightness works brilliantly well.”

In discussing her various roles Beverly explained to us that out of the five parts she gets to play, Beryl is her absolute favourite, “She’s just brilliant, all of them are fun but Beryl has so much to do and gets to sing Mad About The Boy, she’s daft as a brush, it’s really lovely to play someone who is so much fun, silly and giggly.”

In delivering such an iconic film we asked Beverly if the cast felt any pressure? “Yes, but the show is so perfectly constructed that we can’t really go wrong, the production is so brave in its choices, I just love how it is so strong in its direction and identity, I’ve never know anyone not like this show, it’s so perfectly structured it’s got something for everybody.”

Brief Encounter heads to the Lowry after it’s Birmingham run, offering audiences a chance to see the show which has received five star reviews across the board. After this the production head’s to London’s West End with previews at the Empire Cinema beginning on 2nd March. Beverly explained how touring ahead of a West End run is of great benefit to the cast. “This is my third Kneehigh show now and with these type of shows, because they’re so absorbing it takes a lot of work to get the show bedded in, there’s so many quick changes and it takes time to get it right so it’s wonderful to know that what is a great show becomes a perfect show, the show has been in a really good place from the start so it’s really nice to have that time to gel together and experience different audiences ahead of heading to London.”

The show has a real cinematic element which is evident right from the start; “The opening sequence of the show is set within a cinema, there’s a huge screen presenting the show and we’re all dressed as ushers and we’re in the audience before the show starts with Laura and Alec sat in old fashioned cinema seats as the front of the audience, so the show actually starts in the audience and then Laura walks through the screen and appears on the screen. We try and not pull too much focus to them as we’re all singing and playing instruments around the auditorium, it’s nicer if it comes as a surprise to the audience when Laura gets up and the show starts, it’s something the audience just aren’t expecting”

Having performed at the Lowry previously in the first tour of Brief Encounter as well as in Victoria Wood’s enormously successful Acorn Antiques, Beverly is looking forward to taking to the stage on February 20th, “It’s such a gem of a show, it’s really beautiful and clever and I think really surprises audiences who perhaps think they’re coming to see something quite serious. I immediately break the fourth wall with the audience at the beginning of the show which for me feels really nice and lets the audience know they can come with you and experience the joy of the show, it really is something special.”

Brief Encounter on at the Lowry from Tuesday 20th February until Saturday 24th tickets available here. from £16-£35

The Band head to The Lowry!

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The Band Q

Due to overwhelming public demand, Tim Firth’s smash-hit new musical, The Band, featuring the music of Take That, will return to the North West with a stop at The Lowry from Wednesday 16th until Saturday 26th January 2018.

The show which we gave a well-deserved five stars. is produced by David Pugh & Dafydd Rogers and Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, Mark Owen, Robbie Williams takes audiences us back to 1992 when for five 16 year old friends The Band is their absolute everything, they live, breathe, eat & sleep the music. Fast forward 25 years and life is somewhat different for our ladies as they attempt one last time to meet their teenage crushes. The winning of concert tickets to Prague soon becomes a journey of self-discover as they not only attempt to reconnect with each other but remember and realise the hopes and dreams of their 16 year old selves.

With superb direction from Kim Gavin and Jack Ryder, The Band has quickly become the fastest selling touring musical of all time as the show continues to delight audiences across the country.

Ticket information can be found here.