The Duchess of Malfi

The Duchess of Malfi at Sam Wanamaker Playhouse

Why see The Duchess of Malfi?

10th-anniversary production

A woman's freedoms are tested to the limit as John Webster's scathing revenge tragedy returns to the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse a decade after it first opened the venue.

First staged around 1612, Webster sets a scene of bitterness and misogyny as two brothers plot to block their widowed sister from moving on with the new husband of her choice. Violent with themes of madness, and control, the titular Duchess is forced to marry in secret or face their wrath. When her scheme is discovered, her brothers' evil becomes an unstoppable force, ruining every life in its wake. 

Directed by Rachel Bagshaw in her Globe debut, don't miss what is sure to be one of the msot talked about shows of the winter season.

Key Information

Audience

Content guidance: Contains violence including murder, as well as themes of incest and misogyny.

Dates

Finished 14 Apr 2024

Reviews

Customer reviews

9 reviews, average rating: (2.0 Stars)

Emma Randle

Wonderful

I have been waiting to see this play for a decade - and seeing it at the beautifully candle-lit Sam Wanamaker Theatre was an added bonus. The lead actors - the Duchess etc - were superb, there were some fun, comedic moments and while I am a sucker for period dress and stage sets which this production lacked, I loved it nevertheless. It started off with a song and dance - would have nice to have ended with one - but definitely a fantastic production. ... Read more
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