The Country Wife
by William Wycherley
directed by Carole Hughes
The Country Wife tells the story of Margery Pinchwife, a young woman escaping from her jealous husband to discover the pleasures of 17th Century London. At the same time Horner, the city’s most notorious playboy, has returned and is in the business of persuading slow-witted husbands to grant access to their wives with the reassurance that he is now a certified eunuch.
When Horner turns his sights on the seemingly innocent Margery he faces his most formidable challenge yet! Packed with double entendres, The Country Wife portrays the hypocrisy of a society where it matters little what you do, for your sin will always be found out.
Condemned in its time as obscene and filthy, the modern observer will find that the play has much in common with the "Carry On" tradition.
Gentlemen: Horner, 30s/40s, a rake - Mike Harding Harcourt, 30s, another rake - Nick Athorne Dorilant, 20s/30s, guess what? Another rake! - Phil Croton Pinchwife, 50s, a jealous husband - Richard Fawcett Sparkish, 20s, a (half) wit - Robert Crighton Sir Jasper Fidgit, 50s/60s, a pompous old gentlemen - Stephen Green Quack, 50s, as the name suggests! - Denis Brogan Boy - Seb Ransom Ladies: Margery Pinchwife, 20/30s, a country wife - Ann Eddington Alithea, 20/30s, Pinchwife's sister - Stacey Warren Lady Fidget, 40/50s, Sir Jasper's wife - Nicki Murphy Mrs Dainty Fidget, 40/50s, Sir Jasper's sister - Lucy Foster Mrs Squeamish, 40s, a lady of leisure - JoAnne Kaye Old Lady Squeamish, Ancient, her Grandmother - Corina Breukel Lucy, 20s, Alithea's Maid - Clare Fisher
