The Constant Wife

by William Somerset Maugham

directed by Alastair Vartan

20th to 22nd May 2004

The Haslemere Hall

Tel:- 01428 642161

(this production is part of The Haslemere Festival)

Elegance and wealth, at least on the stage, take away the rough edges from conflict and bad behavior and make them somehow refined. W. Somerset Maugham's mannered 1927 comedy examines infidelity among the privileged classes with a gentle reproof that seems far out of the mainstream in our politically correct and feminist social structure. Perhaps taking a paragraph out of his own life--his interior decorator wife, who knew of his long-standing love affair with an American man, eventually divorced him. He ponders the delicate balance of love and affection felt by a long-married couple when an indiscretion committed by the husband is publicly revealed.



Constance Middleton is sublimely happy as the well-pampered wife of surgeon John. His affair with her best friend, Marie-Louise is discovered by her sister and mother. After a debate on the merits of informing Constance, it is agreed that nothing will be said. Then Constance receives a visit from an old beau who confesses he still loves her madly.

Just about this time, Marie-Louise's husband arrives in a rage with evidence linking John and his wife. Constance deflects the accusations, and it is later learned she has known of the affair for some time. Her only concession to her husband is that she be allowed to take a job as a decorator with a friend, giving her financial independence, and he agrees.

A clever story with a witty, well-conceived ending.

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