Topsham Estuary Players | What's On in Topsham | Live Drama in Devon | Theatre Companies in Exeter

Estuary Players are now starting to make plans towards their Spring Production which is going to be William Shakespeare’s The Merry Wives of Windsor, directed by Ian Potts. It will be performed at Matthews Hall from 18-24 April 2026, as well as potential outdoor performances in the Summer which are in the process of being arranged. Watch this space!
This jolly comedy features the larger than life Sir John Falstaff’s attempts to simultaneously woo Mistress Ford and Mistress Page for financial as well as amorous reasons, only to be found out and humiliated by the ladies concerned and then poked fun at by the whole town. Meanwhile Anne Page has found love with Fenton, but her parents have other ideas about who would make her a suitable husband with other suitors in mind. Can true love conquer all?
Whilst not always a favourite with Shakespearean critics and academics, The Merry Wives of Windsor has proved to be popular with audiences and performers over the years. The themes of love, fidelity, jealousy and revenge and comment on wealth and social class remain just as relevant and amusing now as they did in Elizabethan times.
Ian’s vision is to set the play in the era it was written and to include some music, singing and dancing as part of the action. Time to dig out the woolly tights and farthingales!
To be able to bring this play to life Ian requires a large company of actors of different ages and the hope is that this will provide an opportunity for newcomers to join in – whether they are experienced performers or fancy having a go on stage for the first time. There are parts large and small to be played and open auditions will be held in due course.
As a starting point Ian is holding an introduction to the Play and a Readthrough which is taking place at The Globe Topsham at 7.00 pm on 29 October 2025. You are warmly invited to attend if you are interested in taking part or finding out more about this exciting project. If you would like to come along, please contact Ian via email: pottsy1951@gmail.com and he will be able to provide you with a PDF script in advance for you to use. We look forward to seeing you there.