Merry Wives of Windsor

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Introduction
Shakespeare’s only comedy of current English life with witty women coming out on top may have flattered Queen Elizabeth 1. The jovial “fat Knight” Sir John Falstaff first appears in Henry IV Part 1 and she reputedly commanded a play with him in love. Nine operas based onThe Merry Wives include Verdi’s Falstaff.

The Fords lived by Windsor Castle in a now demolished row of houses. Sir John stayed at The Garter Inn, part of The Hart & Garter Hotel today - with the view left. 

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Hazle Ceramics
Merry Wives of Windsor
Limited Paining of 30
on Northampton with 22ct gold

 Dated 1910, Windsor’s Theatre Royal in 2007. A cinema from 1929, it was reopened by King George VI and his Queen in 1938. Many shows transfer to London’s West End.

UK/Europe £64.50
Rest of World £54.89

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The Merry Wives Story
Attempting to make money, Falstaff woos rich, married friends Mistresses Ford and Page. They play many tricks on Falstaff that culminte with him in antler horns at Windsor Forest. Teased by children dressed as fairies, he good naturedly sees his stupidity. Falstaff then has the last word through his mastery of language, just like his creator! Daughter Anne Page marries her choice from three suitors and the play ends happily.

 Partner to King’s Head Inn
where Shakepeare wrote this.

 Falstaff humiliated in Windsor Forest, one of many local landmarks in the play. It was likely first performed in 1597 at the Chapter Library for the Queen. Strolling players may have staged it in Peascod Street too, opposite the Castle.

The Merry Wives by Hugh Thompson, 1901. 