I am a HUGE Shakespeare fan. I have read so many of his works over the years, and every time that I read one, it reaffirms my belief that he is THE greatest writer this world has ever had. William Shakespeare is my biggest literary icon, inspiration, and crush. So, the chance to see one of his plays at the Globe in London was already preset to be an experience for me. However, I feel that The Merry Wives of Windsor is one that will go beyond individuals like me and be a fantastic experience for all.
One aspect that is built into the experience of watching a show at The Globe is being a “groundling”. In Shakespeare’s time, the average low-class individual would stand in the areas around the stage – seating in the theatre was usually reserved for royalty and the rich. So, to maintain the authenticity of the Globe, individuals can purchase cheaper tickets to be a groundling and stand for the performance – only seating for the intermission. Also, inherent to the plays performed in the original Globe, the actors interact with the groundlings a lot thought the show. For these reasons, I loved and recommend being a groundling. I honestly think it’s something that should be experience once…heavy emphasis on “once”. Being a groundling is a very physical experience and while it does add to the whole atmosphere, being a simple viewer doesn’t in anyway subtract from it. This always relays back to my point of Merry Wives being one of Shakespeare’s plays that is “beyond” him.
The Merry Wives of Windsor is a comedy and one of Shakespeare’s lighter plays. There are numerous instances of gags and dirty jokes and physical comedy throughout. This, along with the fact that this particular adaption is stylized around the 1930s, brings it closer and makes it more connectable to the audience. And EVERY actor within this play has such amazing comedic timing and so physically embodies their role that it holds the audience within the story. So, if you’re a groundling or seated without a cushion, the story and acting pull you away from the pain in your feet or the ache in your back for a moment. If you’re a die-hard Shakespeare fan or if you wouldn’t read him if someone paid you to or if you just want to have a good time, The Merry Wives of Windsor at the Globe in London is an experience that you need.
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