Overview

Synopsis

The boozing and boorish Sir John Falstaff (from Shakespeare’s Henry IV Part One and Henry IV Part Two) is in Windsor looking to have fun. But he’s running out of money, and so hatches a plot to woo a wealthy wife away from her husband and get her money. But instead of sending a love letter to just one woman, he sends identical letters to two: Mrs. Page and Mrs. Ford. The women learn about Falstaff’s dishonorable intentions, and set out to humiliate him appropriately. At the same time, several local men are vying for the hand of Anne Page, the proprietor of the local tavern hangout plays practical jokes on various citizens, and the children of the city join in a masque to scare Falstaff. A play full of witty characters, language and word play, and practical jokes against Falstaff, The Merry Wives of Windsor is a lovely romp with a delightfully happy ending.

Show Information

Category
Play
Age Guidance
Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
Number of Acts
5
First Produced
1602
Genres
Comedy
Settings
Period, Multiple Settings
Time & Place
Windsor, England, 14th century
Cast Size
large
Licensor
None/royalty-free
Ideal For
College/University, Community Theatre, High School, Large Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Young Adult, Adult, Mature Adult, Elderly, Late Teen, Child, Early Teen Characters

Context

Plot

Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Sir John Falstaff

Lead

Male

Mr. Ford

Lead

Male

Mrs. Ford

Lead

Female

Mr. Page

Lead

Male

Mrs. Page

Lead

Female

Mistress Quickly

Lead

Female

Fenton

Supporting

Male

Robert Shallow

Supporting

Male

Abraham Slender

Supporting

Male

Anne Page

Supporting

Female

Sir Hugh Evans

Supporting

Male

Dr. Caius

Supporting

Male

Host of the Garter Inn

Supporting

Male

Bardolph

Supporting

Male

Pistol

Supporting

Male

Nym

Supporting

Male

Simple

Supporting

Male

William Page

Featured

Male

Robin

Featured

Male

Rugby

Featured

Male

Ensemble

Ensemble

Either Gender

Songs

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A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.

Monologues

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Scenes

All scenes are the property and copyright of their owners. Scenes are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this scene, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Key Terms

    A lively or playful leap or dance; in drama, it can refer to light-hearted mischief or comic adventure.

    To scold or rebuke, frequently appearing in English Renaissance drama.

    A satirical genre of the English Renaissance focusing on urban life and social behavior.

    To deceive or trick; used in older dramatic works to describe manipulation or con artistry.

    A term for a man whose partner is unfaithful, often used in comedic and tragic theatre to portray shame and jealousy.

    Queen of England whose reign supported the flourishing of English Renaissance theatre and the works of Shakespeare.

    Relating to the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, marked by flourishing English drama and playwrights like Shakespeare and Marlowe.

    A term in classical medicine and drama referring to bodily fluids that affect temperament; also used to mean comedy. This term plays a vital role in understanding theatrical structure and is commonly encountered in stagecraft or performance settings.

    A servant or deceitful man, often used in Shakespearean plays as a term of insult or social rank. This archetype is common in comedic and villainous roles in English Renaissance drama, revealing class tensions and dramatic contrasts.

    A form of festive court entertainment combining poetry, music, dance, and elaborate costumes, popular in 16th and 17th century England. Masques were often allegorical and featured aristocratic performers.

    A tailored costume representing formality, social status, or time period. Suits are used to define character and context.

Videos

Quizzes

Themes, Symbols & Motifs

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Quote Analysis

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Guide Written By:

Cindi Calhoun

Cindi Calhoun

Theatre teacher, director, writer, and seamstress