REVIEW: THE FANTASTIC FOLLIES OF MRS RICH – ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY – STRATFORD

THERE’S something thoroughly modern about the RSC’s latest production featuring a Restoration comedy of manners by Mary Pix, from around 1700!

It may be the sassy, brassy sound of a quartet of saxophones that replaces strings or it could be the subtle changes to the original text such as saying that all men from the city (bankers) are crooks instead of cuckolds.

But perhaps, in the 100th anniversary year of (some) women getting the vote, it’s the astonishment that Mary’s work is still giving voice to women who desire, demand and deserve an equal place in the World – more than 300 years later.

Nothing changes then you might be forgiven for thinking and that’s the astonishment of this little known work which has been brought to life by the glittering direction of Jo Davies.

Here we still see a class system dominant at the heart of society; here we see desire, ambition, deception and utter convention but mostly from a female viewpoint.

The plot twists and turns, crisses and crosses but you are drawn along by the sheer delight of this slick production with immaculate timing, pinpoint choreography, lavish dresses and sets and some colourful performances. I can’t remember having a smile on my face for so long…

Mrs Rich is a wealthy widow who is desperate for a place in society: “I will have a title and a name”. Her wealth and obsession draws a number of hangers-on as well as contempt from the established members of a Restoration society not long out of the austere, puritanical Cromwell years.

Script changes include the music and songs by Grant Olding which allows Mrs Rich to connect with the audience – something that Sophie Stanton, as Mrs Rich, is able to do with the flick of an eye or a raised eyebrow in a spellbinding performance. It’s all mischief and mayhem.

The Fantastic Follies of Mrs Rich runs at the Swan Theatre, Stratford until June 14, 2018. Box Office: 01789 403493.