The City Madam at the Swan Theatre in Stratford

The City Madam, Swan Theatre, Stratford, until October 4. Running time 2hrs 50mins.


Picture by Ellie Kurttz

THE bright red blusher is applied with a heavy hand, every hair has been carefully styled and curled and each outfit is adorned with lace, feathers and ribbons ... and that’s only the men.

Being the height of fashion is all important in the Philip Massinger comedy and the pursuit of beauty is a full-time and costly occupation.

The rich strut about and display their wealth with every bow and beauty spot while the poor wear plain black and know their place.

Sara Crowe sits at the centre of director Dominic Hill’s production as the supremely vain mother-of-two Lady Frugal.

She is convinced she can still pass for a fresh-faced 15-year-old maid – with the right light and the right cosmetics – and her pursuit for eternal youth is only matched by her desire to see her two daughters married to rich, doting husbands.

Sara’s comedy timing is a joy to behold as she puts would-be suitors Sir Maurice and Mr Plenty, marvellously played by Alex Hassell and Felix Hayes, to the test.

They provide most of the best comedy moments along with Lucy Briggs-Owen and Matti Houghton as the demanding daughters.

They boss around their dissolute uncle Luke Frugal, played by Jo Stone-Fewings, until he suddenly finds himself with the upper hand and plots his revenge.

There’s lots to enjoy in this comic attack against greed and vanity although the plot of the 1632 comedy does not stand up to too much scrutiny.

“I’ve just remembered. It’s my birthday,” announces Luke Frugal with an unexpected flourish at one point. Still it’s a good excuse for an impromptu party and a fitting climax.

Rating * * *

Review by Marion McMullen