Review of ‘The Massive Tragedy of Madame Bovary’:  “I left in tears”

Flaubert’s literary masterpiece travels to the London stage in this new comical adaptation playing at the Southwark Playhouse until the start of the New Year. Guillermo Nazara shares his views on the show, to let us know if this cheered up retelling of the doomed adulteress ends up feeling like a cheat.

I truly dislike Madame Bovary. What’s really to love about her? She’s selfish, entitled, manipulative, and basically the most perfect example of a whining, egocentric pain in the ass who takes zero accountability for her actions. Yet, that’s where Flaubert’s genius truly blossoms. Despite how little redeeming traits she has (yes, she might be facing some injustice, but she also enjoys a lot of privilege she takes for granted), you can’t help but feel sorry for her. Eventually, you want her to be happy – not that her story is to bring her any joyful outcome any time soon; unless, of course, in somebody else sticks their hands into it (no pun intended).

The Southwark Playhouse welcomes a differently flavoured version of the arguably rather dramatic tale. With its elongated title hinting the humorous approach of the piece, The Massive Tragedy of Madame Bovary brings farce into the French heroine’s ill-fated plight – reenacting (with arresting faithfulness, though) all the main events depicted in the novel, but sugarcoating them with an extra layer of continuous laughter.

Written by John Nicholson, the play is an uproarious jaunt filled with extremely amusing moments and interpreted with captivating flair. Hardly any bit goes down (except for a few, very exceptional parts primarily in Act One), and its narrative moves with flawless pacing – constantly flaunting its superb ability to grip and entertain.

Directed by Kirstie Davies, the production does not rely on overly done elements to complement the text – other than a simple, static set design by Marion Harrison and a slightly more intricate lighting by Simon Hutchings. However, what at first may seem like a deficiency proves, ultimately, to be one of its greatest strengths – and though a higher degree of imaginativeness in its execution couldn’t have hurt, the final impression is solid enough to make it fairly satisfying.

Yet, if anything is to be praised in this montage, that would be, undoubtedly, its extraordinary company. Featuring only four actors to carry out its unceasing cascade of characters, the entire troupe boasts such a refreshing level of rapport and chemistry, as well as absolute prowess towards the piece’s style. With all them exuding superb comedy skills, the greatest mention goes, nonetheless, to the two men behind the show’s eternal roster of supporting characters.

On the one hand, Stephen Cavanagh makes a memorable appearance through his short but recurring contributions ranging from the sightless, foul-named Blind Man (tell me that your parents didn’t want you without telling me that your parents didn’t want you) to the nosy (aren’t they all) Sister Mary – bringing great energy and magnetism to every rendition, as well as heightening its campness without ever feeling forced or overexaggerated.

Yet, the greatest acts are indisputable given by Ben Kernow in the many, many, MANY roles of Mme. Bovary’s lovers – not only showing off his inherently organic humourousness, but also his uncanny ability to transform from one character to another at the snap of a finger with such astonishing effectiveness, it almost looks as if another performer has popped in.

Engaging, fairly educational, and boisterously hysterical from start to finish, The Massive Tragedy of Madame Bovary brings joy into the viewer’s heart through the literary icon’s disgrace. Mixing a few dark elements along with its overall droll, slapstick take, this different but all the way brilliant adaptation of the literary icon sweeps the sorrow away without renouncing to neither the misery or pathos of the original. It may not be convincing enough to make us drink the arsenic, but its savage hilariousness will knock you dead anyhow.

All pictures credit to Tanya Pabaru.

Madame Bovary plays at London’s Southwark Playhouse Borough until 11 January. Tickets are available on the following link. 

By Guillermo Nazara