Somerset Maugham play The Constant Wife showing in Bath

The Constant Wife by W. Somerset Maugham will be performed at Theatre Royal Bath from Monday, May 11, to Saturday, May 16.

The play, set in the 1920s, has been reimagined by Olivier Award-winning writer Laura Wade and explores marital expectation and female independence with both humour and insight.

David Pugh, the show’s producer, said: "I’m delighted to be bringing a production of such class and comedy, that evolves the wit of Somerset Maugham with the brilliance of Laura Wade to theatres all around the country at prices that people can afford."

Kara Tointon stars as Constance, alongside Olivier Award winner Sara Crowe as Mrs Culver.

Ms Tointon’s screen and stage credits include Mr Selfridge, Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, and Twelfth Night.

Ms Crowe is known for her roles in Four Weddings and a Funeral, Acorn Antiques the Musical, and Calendar Girls.

The cast also features Jules Brown as Mortimer, Tim Delap as John, Gloria Onitiri as Marie-Louise, and Alex Mugnaioni as Bernard.

Philip Rham plays Bentley, while Amy Vicary-Smith appears as Martha.

Set in 1927, Constance is a very unhappy woman. She is the perfect wife and mother, and her husband is as devoted to her as he is to his mistress, who just happens to be her best friend.

The story unpacks societal expectations of women and the institution of marriage during the early 20th century.

Directed by Tamara Harvey, co-artistic director of the Royal Shakespeare Company, the production features original music by jazz musician Jamie Cullum.

The national tour began in Blackpool in January and has since travelled to venues including Chichester, York, Oxford, Richmond, Brighton, Chelmsford, Liverpool, Salford, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Shrewsbury, Leeds, Poole, and Malvern.

The creative team includes set and co-costume designer Anna Fleischle, co-costume designer Cat Fuller, lighting designer Sally Ferguson, and sound designer Claire Windsor.

Movement direction is by Annie-Lunnette Deakin-Foster, with Francesca Murray-Fuentes as associate director, Angelica Rush as associate designer, and Ilona Karas as costume supervisor.

Additional cast members include Sam Flint, Jocasta King, and Jane Lambert.

The original play was written by W. Somerset Maugham in 1926.

Laura Wade, known for her play Home, I’m Darling, has adapted Maugham’s work for a contemporary audience.

She is the recent winner of the International Emmy for her television series Rivals.

Evening performances at Theatre Royal Bath start at 7.30pm, with matinees on Wednesday, May 13, and Saturday, May 16, at 2.30pm.

Tickets begin at £31, with booking fees applying.

Reservations can be made through the Theatre Royal Bath website or by calling the box office at 01225 448844.

More information about the production is available at constantwife.com.

David Pugh and Cunard present the Royal Shakespeare Company production of The Constant Wife.