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BrumHour saw The Constant Wife at the invite of The RSC.
By David Fox x.com/DavidFoxTheatre
The Constant Wife at The RSC Swan Theatre: Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐”Stylish, witty and delightfully clever.”
Directed by Tamara Harvey. By Laura Wade. Based on the play by W Somerset Maugham.
W. Somerset Maugham’s The Constant Wife opens the door to a sharply observed world where wit, decorum, and gender roles collide with surprising modernity. First staged in 1926, the play centres on Constance Middleton, a woman whose seemingly serene domestic life is upended by betrayal—yet whose response upends expectations far more. With its polished dialogue and satirical edge, The Constant Wife balances comedy and critique, offering a portrait of female independence that feels as provocative today as it was nearly a century ago.
This new RSC production of The Constant Wife, updated with sharp sophistication by Laura Wade and deftly directed by RSC Co-Artistic Director, Tamara Harvey, brings a fresh vitality to Somerset Maugham’s classic. Rose Leslie (Game of Thrones, Downton Abbey) is utterly compelling in the title role of Constance Middleton. Her performance is a masterclass in balance—witty, poised, and quietly devastating. The ensemble cast is equally strong, with a standout turn from Luke Norris (Poldark), who brings a sort of feckless charm. Amy Morgan shines as the anxious yet warm-hearted sister Martha, while Kate Burton delivers a delightfully domineering performance as Mrs Culver, Constance’s formidable mother.
The setting evokes a refined 1920s drawing room with effortless charm, all soft pastels and elegant lines, perfectly capturing the world of a well-to-do Harley Street doctor’s household. The design is rich in period detail without ever feeling fussy, thanks in large part to the excellent costume work—flapper-era chic rendered with flair, from sharply tailored suits to flowing silks, each piece adding to the atmosphere of style and control. Particularly clever are the theatrical conceits woven into the production: in a moment of pure stage magic, the clock is quite literally turned back as wallpaper cascades down the walls and the set reveals an earlier, pre-decorated version of itself. It’s a witty, visually striking touch that underscores the play’s themes of time, change, and appearances.
Tamara Harvey’s direction is full of elegant, intelligent touches that elevate the production with warmth and wit. Characters glide through scene changes in moments of expressive dance—fleeting, intimate gestures that reveal the emotional undercurrents between them. These transitions are beautifully underscored by a shimmering jazz soundtrack from the legendary Jamie Cullum, whose music adds texture and atmosphere throughout.
Harvey also plays smartly with theatrical form, breaking the fourth wall with a light but knowing touch. Characters occasionally step outside the action to wryly comment on the very act of theatre-going, inviting the audience to reflect on what it means to watch—and to be watched. It’s playful, self-aware direction that never loses sight of the story’s emotional heart.
With its crisp dialogue and elegant staging, it’s a treat for fans of Wildean wit and period dramas like Downton Abbey. But beneath the charm lies a sharp, wry commentary on gender politics and the dynamics of relationships, delivered with both humour and intelligence. It’s a production that entertains while quietly provoking thought—a rare combination. Bold, beautiful, and brilliantly performed, this is an unmissable evening at the theatre.
Overall, this production is stylish, witty, and delightfully clever; The Constant Wife is at The RSC Swan Theatre until 2nd August 2025. For more information visit rsc.org.uk/the-constant-wife.
