Review: THE CONSTANT WIFE, RSC
Photo credit: Johan Persson
W. Somerset Maugham’s The Constant Wife is a popular choice for revivals, and was a hit with critics when it was first performed in 1926. Although it first premiered nearly a century ago, in the hands of Laura Wade, its sharp wit and subversive social commentary feel strikingly contemporary.
Set in post WWI England, the play follows Constance Middleton, played by Rose Leslie, a seemingly dutiful and contented wife, who quietly discovers that her husband, John, is having an affair with her close friend Marie-Louise. Rather than confront them with outrage, Constance takes a cool, calculated approach—revealing her awareness and deciding to turn the situation to her advantage by claiming her own financial and personal independence. In doing so, she upends the expectations of both her marriage and society, asserting control over her life with wit, poise, and unexpected resolve.
In the RSC’s newest take, the play has a new energy, exploring power, identity, and the quiet revolution of a woman refusing to play by society’s rules. What emerges is a quietly hilarious play, that is both richly evocative of its time and quietly radical in its meditation on freedom, loyalty, and a woman’s claim to self.
The cast display remarkable cohesion and the comedic timing between them is a wonder to behold. Rose Leslie is the shining starlet, with the most exquisite costumes, hats and hair. Emma McDonald, who plays the mistress and best friend Marie-Louise, is also blessed with a stunning wardrobe complete with silk kimonos and detailed buttons. The set is a beautiful art deco lounge and the magic that is involved with each transition is mesmerising and yet seems effortless, with the ruffling of a rug or a wallpaper curl. This is helped by Jamie Cullum’s music, which encourages clever choreography and moments of intimacy between the characters when no dialogue is needed. A piano on the far left of stage is also used by several of the cast members to aid the storytelling, a lovely touch.
Laura Wade’s The Constant Wife is full of humour, wit and elegance. Whilst written as a comedy with predictable laughs, the unexpected poignant and emotionally stirring moments land even harder, leaving a lasting impact. This production stands out as one of the RSC’s finest adaptations in recent years.
***** Five stars
Reviewed by: Sophie Eaton
The Constant Wife plays at the RSC’s Swan Theatre until 2 August, with further info here.