Verdi - Falstaff

Ian Jervis (John Falstaff), Jan Hartley (Alice Ford), Julian Forsyth (Francis Ford QC), Simon Butteriss (Doctor Cajus), Daniel Gillingwater (Bardolph), Simon Masterton Smith (Pistol), Marilyn Cutts (Mrs Quickly), Rosamund Shelley (Meg Page), Katie Lovell (Nanetta) & Andy Morton (Fenton) Adapted from Music Theatre London's stage production, Jonathan Gill (director)

The member's bar of a golf club somewhere near Windsor. Big John Falstaff is a permanently 'resting' actor whose one claim to fame is his role as "The Protectionist", a television series which was mercifully cancelled after the first season. Falstaff is holding court to his two taxi driver cronies, Bardolph and Pistol, who have just played a round. Falstaff doesn't actually play golf because a) he is too fat and lazy and b) he considers the green fees better spent on gin. Given that he always seems to end up picking up Bardolph and Pistol's tab and his only source of income is the odd Croatian TV repeat fee, the big man is in a bit of a bind. In bursts the rather bizarre psychiatrist Dr Cajus, who accuses Falstaff of bashing into his car the previous night and destroying the rear bumper. Further more, he is certain that Bardolph and Pistol spiked his drink and stole all his money. Amidst much derision Cajus is frightened off and Falstaff is left to scrutinise his bar bill, which is several feet long. He decides that his inescapable charms should be brought to bear on a couple of the lady members, not only for the physical gratification he can offer but the financial perks he is likely to receive from women who are married to rich husbands.The two unlucky victims of this deluded nonsense are Alice Ford, whose husband is a wealthy solicitor, and Meg Page whose husband is - just wealthy. Falstaff fails to persuade his henchmen to be his emissaries in this matter and so gives the barmaid notes for the ladies.The scene ends with him arguing with Bardolph and Pistol about the fact that they never stand their round - 'proper' rules in these matters being a moral imperative! The ladies locker room, a taxi, a pub, the golf course. Alice Ford, an attractive 40-something and her daughter Nanette, a pretty, vivacious girl in her early 20s are preparing to play a foursome. Their fellow players are Meg Page, a similar age to Alice, and Mrs Quickly, who is of indeterminate age and indomitable cheeriness. Alice and Meg are by turns intrigued and repelled by the letters that they have received from Falstaff, and decide to take revenge on the would be seducer. Meanwhile Bardolph and Pistol meet with Ford, and fed up with the bullying of their bloated boozing buddy, inform him about Falstaff's intentions towards Mrs Ford. Dr Cajus puts his two pennyworth in, and Fenton, the handsome young pro volunteers his assistance in punishing Falstaff. His reasons for helping are less to do with revenge and more with getting in Ford's good books - he is in love with Nanette, and aware that her father considers golf pro's to be in the same category as second-hand car salesmen. Fenton manages to steal a few moments with Nanette on the 10th green, where his energetically dishonourable intentions become clear.The ladies formulate a plan for Mrs Quickly to inform Falstaff that Alice is eagerly awaiting a clandestine visit from the great lover…. Tony Britten's hilarious take on Verdi's evergreen comedy was first staged by Music Theatre London at the Drill Hall and was subsequently filmed with the original cast.

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