Gustave Flaubert's masterpiece 'Madame Bovary' tells the story of Emma, who finds herself bored of married life, indulging in affairs and living beyond her means before succumbing to despair and ending her own life. But what if this story wasn't so bleak? This production starts by telling us they are going to answer this very question and give us the happy ending we deserve at Christmastime. However, as the events unfold throughout the evening, the actress portraying Emma questions the value of changing her tragic destiny.
Our cast are all fantastically talented with no weak links. Darren Seed is beautifully endearing as Charles; Ben Kernow shines in his incredible shifts between multiple love-interests - from the sweet to the utterly absurd; and Stephen Cavanagh is a force of comic skill in his plethora of roles throughout the play. However, special mention must go to Georgia Nicholson, who plays the titular role with gusto, jumping from raucous comedy to intense seduction to sincere tragedy with staggering ease - her performance is enthralling and perfect for this piece.
They work together magnificently, managing to pull of some incredibly slick and clever slapstick moments without ever missing a beat - kudos must also go to Grace Murdoch's movement direction for the most intricate and hilarious of these elements.
It is a shame that the piece isn't as laugh-a-minute as it could be, but it is impossible to put a finger on exactly why - perhaps more rehearsal time or stronger direction of some of the many humorous moments of the script would be welcome. There are also some very obvious innuendos within the script that aren't taken advantage of (surprising, given the focus on base sexual humour throughout - usually achieved with solid success). However, there are certainly times where the audience is kept in fits of delighted giggles.
What really holds this piece back is, unfortunately, its premise. To spend two acts performing a tragedy reframed as a comedy only to come to the conclusion that Madame Bovary's original ending gives her agency and highlights the struggles of many women throughout history (all dictated to us directly) is not the profound revelation this production seems to think it is. At the end of it all, it feels as if there was no real point to be gained, and - while certainly entertaining - the rest of the performance is not strong enough to be rave-worthy in spite of this.
An odd choice for the Southwark Playhouse's festive offering, but perhaps a useful tool for any young people studying the novel, The Massive Tragedy of Madame Bovary runs at The Southwark Playhouse (Borough) until 11th January.
Review: Penny Lane Photo: Tanya Pabaru