One of William Shakespeare’s most outrageous yet beloved characters, Sir John Falstaff, is due to bring his whirlwind of wit, mischief and unapologetic excess to the Brighton stage this weekend.
It’s a one-man show for one knight only, with Winchelsea actor Mike Stoneham playing the rollicking and roisterous lead, on tour with a script adapted from the novel by Robert Nye.
The book and the play were inspired by Falstaff’s appearances in Henry IV and the Merry Wives of Windsor in a production described as fast-paced, bold and hilarious.
Stoneham is said to deliver “a tour de force performance that captures the character’s unmatched charisma, shameless appetites and surprising charm” – and it’s not only funny but moving in places.
The production company said: “Equal parts comedy and character study, Falstaff invites audiences to revel in the indulgent world of a man who lives for pleasure and laughs in the face of consequence.
“With razor-sharp humour, physical comedy and a twinkle of mischief, Stoneham embodies Falstaff in all his ‘fat-witted’ glory – proving that this centuries-old character still knows how to steal the show.
“Audiences are already raising a glass to the production: ‘Fat, flatulent, fabulous. It was an absolute riot and we loved it!’
“Whether you’re a Shakespeare aficionado or simply in search of a night of unfiltered entertainment, Falstaff promises a theatrical experience that is as bold and boisterous as the man himself.
“Raise a cup, loosen your belt and prepare for a night of glorious misrule. Falstaff is in town!”
Falstaff starring Mike Stoneham is due to start at 7.30pm on Saturday 4 April at the Lantern Theatre, 77 St James’s Street, Brighton. The running time is 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Tickets cost £16.50 (£15 plus a £1.50 booking fee) or £11 for concessions (£10 plus a £1 booking fee). To book, call 0333 666 4466 or click here.
