The Country Wife could also be called Men Behaving Badly as Southwick Players present an extravaganza of desire and intrigue. Steve Titchmarsh adapted and directed this comedy of manners which is a Restoration play and a farce with a contemporary twist. It’s about a virile, young rogue called Harry Horner who is expertly acted by Mike Everett. Horner is in the thick of his London set, choosing his friends carefully and rebuffing others with great humour and not much tact. He and his friends start a rumour to make him appear ‘safe’ and give him even more access to the ladies.
Mr Sparkish (Robert Tremayne) deserves special mention, his costume is hilarious and he rises to the part. There’s a sense his desires may lie elsewhere as he prepares to marry Alithea Pinchwife (Lauren Brakes.) She doesn’t detect his cunning at first and it may be that both The Country Wife and her sister take their menfolk at face value unlike the more sophisticated women in this London set.
Jack Pinchwife (Andy Clawson, originally from Texas) is the overprotective husband of Margery (Rosalind Dyer.) Pinchwife’s fears, that are to some extent well-founded, he used to be a playboy himself, form a structure for The Country Wife. He’s desperate to keep his wife confined to their home, locked up even, while she is as keen to sample all that London life has to offer. An interesting battle of the wills ensues. We find Margery’s head is turned at the slightest expression of interest from a man.
Anna Connors is the Assistant Director who also stands in magnificently as Lady Fidget. Again, her costume dazzles and her sophistication outperforms The Country Wife’s innocence in the battle to steal Horner’s heart… if, indeed, he has one. H Reeves as Sir Jasper Fidget asks Horner to entertain his wife and her entourage, blissfully unaware of Horner’s intentions.
The set is neat and fits the play well and the music is a caper back into the eighties. Steve Titchmarsh directs a lot of musicals as well as plays, hence is attention to musical detail. He directs a large cast with humour and insight. There’s a sense that the company, including all those back stage with special mention given to Milla for costumes, thoroughly enjoyed the production process.
The Country Wife by Southwick Players offers an entertaining evening of sex, lies and debauchery. Country meets town, the two cultures collide and for a moment it seems secrets will be exposed. Wit is the king in this London set, not morality or virtue and things are not as they seem. I thoroughly recommend this play.
Barn Theatre (Southwick Players) 7 – 10 October 2026
Photo Credits: Lynsey Nicol
