The Stage

Wives As They Were and Maids As They Are

Published Thursday 11 September 2008 at 12:50 by Hugh Homan

Today better known as a novelist, Elizabeth Inchbald (1753-1821, and born in Stanningfield, near Bury) nevertheless wrote a number of plays.

In their Restoring the Repertoire series, the Theatre Royal makes a good case for reviving some of the lady’s work with one of the best, Wives As They Were and Maids As They Are (from 1797).

A company of ten (impeccably well cast) bring style, dash, vigour and some great belly laughs to this 18th century battle of the sexes. In period costume, but with a stunning contemporary backdrop of seven clear acrylic boxes with doors (in which each character is captured, posing before their entry) the play’s five acts seem to pass in a moment.

The plot is far too complicated to explain - suffice to say that while drawing our attention to women’s oppressed position in a marriage, Inchbald manages to amuse, entertain and provoke thought.

A superb performance comes from Tim Frances as Sir William around who the play revolves. Urbane, high-principled, occasionally touchingly tender, he runs the gamut. Maria is played with poise and sincerity by Laura Doddington, Michael Burrell is avuncular as Mr Norberry whose house it is and Ursula Early is excellent as Lady Mary, foil to Maria. John Webb as the overbearing Lord Priory pontificates magnificently while Joanna Tincey as his put upon wife exudes caution from every pore. Alexander Caine is hugely enjoyable as the nice but rather vacuous Sir George and James Wallace almost steals the show as the bounder Mr Bronzely. Giles Faulkner is frighteningly malevolent in the minor role of Nabson and Karen Elliot bobs and curtsies cutely as servant Stephens.

Director Colin Blumenau and designer Kit Surrey are ensuring that the restored theatre is presenting work of world standard.