THE PROVOKED WIFE Opens Thursday at Greenwich Playhouse

First performed in 1697, The Provoked Wife contains strangely modern explorations of marriage and love (and lust) without forgetting the requisite humour. In Perfect Mayhem's hands it is part screwball comedy, part chamber piece. The action is relocated to a mythical version of Mayfair in the 1920s and edited to a dizzying 100 minutes which explores the wit, physical comedy and smouldering sexuality of the play without shirking the darker themes.

Director Joss Bennathan excels at capturing the spirit of classic plays for contemporary audiences. He is Artistic Director of Present Moment for whom he has directed The Country Wife; the Revenger's Tragedy, both at the Bridewell, The Alchemist (Riverside Studios), Volpone (Wilton's Music Hall) and most recently, Doctor Faustus (Stratford Circus). His other credits include all three shows with award winning comedy duo Laurence and Gus and A Team: The Musical, the sell out sensation of the 2009 Edinburgh Fringe.

The Cast is led by John Dorney as Sir John Brute, the provoking husband and Joan Walker as Lady Fancyfull. John's credits range from Action Jackson in The A Team Musical to Felix Humble and Mick in the London Classic Theatre's touring productions of Humble Boy and The Caretaker. Joan Walker played Tanya in the international tour of Mamma Mia! (2006-2007) and was recently seen in Coronation Street. Her numerous radio credits include most recently The Country Wife, Vilette, The King's Speech and Once More with feeling.

The Cast is completed by Laura Corbett (Lady Brute), Jamie Hitchens (Constant),
Oliver King (Cornet), Joshua Manning (Rasor). Provence Maydew (Madamoiselle), Sam Nicoll (Heartfree) and Fleur Shepherd (Bellinda).

Set and Costume design is by Charlotte Espiner; the Lighting Designer is Richard Williamson.

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