A comical version of M Bovary

“The Massive Tragedy of Madame Bovary” at Southwark Playhouse
Last night, I ventured to the theatre once more, this time with my dear friend Ruth, to see The Massive Tragedy of Madame Bovary, a comedic reinterpretation of Gustave Flaubert’s classic novel. I chose this play because I adore the novel – one of my all-time favorites—about a romantic and beautiful woman yearning for more than her provincial life in 19th-century France. Adapted by John Nicholson and directed by Kirstie Davis, the production injects the tragic tale with humor and farcical twists.
Southwark Playhouse often stages works by emerging artists or experiments with unconventional theatre. Over the years, I’ve seen both gems and missteps there, so I’ve learned to temper my expectations.
To my delight, I enjoyed this production more than anticipated. The play’s inventive approach and the commendable comedic performances stood out. Aside from Madame Bovary herself, the three other cast members seamlessly juggled multiple roles. Stephen Cavanagh, for instance, was particularly impressive, portraying a staggering fifteen characters with ease and flair. Some of the sex scenes were hilariously audacious. Ruth and I laughed our teeth off.
While this adaptation retains the novel’s darker themes, including Emma Bovary’s tragic demise, it balances them with sharp humour. However, the production’s ambition occasionally felt constrained by the theatre’s limited physical space. We happened to sit on the front. I had carefully tuck my feet under the seat as not to trip the actors. Moreover, its extended runtime could have benefited from tighter pacing.
Overall, The Massive Tragedy of Madame Bovary offers an entertaining and unconventional take on a literary classic, blending humor with its inherent tragedy. It’s good value for money, and with only two shows left, I’d recommend catching it if you can.