In the lobby outside of the Franco Boni Theatre there’s a quote projected onto the wall: “What you are about to see is not wholly inaccurate. But close.” Rose Napoli, author and star of Mad Madge, sets up our expectations for her play perfectly in two brief sentences. Mad Madge explores the extraordinary life of Margaret Cavendish: author, philosopher, and overall highly ambitious woman. This world premiere production, directed by Andrea Donaldson, brings humour and history together to create one truly enthralling piece of theatre.

Mad Madge is part biography, part comedy, and wholly entertaining. Looking at the life of Cavendish from when she was 17, through her exile to France along with the rest of the court of Queen Henrietta (widow of Charles I), to her becoming a known entity in England and eventually published author. Mad Madge is full of witty references to the people of the time while also bringing in some of their stage practices as well. Taking the audience through some of her most iconic moments of misbehaviour, Mad Madge delivers a raunchy, fantastical story expertly grounded in reality.

I spent a good deal of my time in University studying the Renaissance and Restoration, so Mad Madge was very much in my wheelhouse. References to Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale, Ben(ny) Johnson, Samuel Pepys, and Robert Hooke help to situate us in the period as well as understand the social climate of the characters. There’s a great deal of gender bending casting going on, which both supports and subverts the theatrical practices of the times. I think what I enjoy the most about the script was how bawdy it was! I think we get this notion from the surviving works that everyone spoke and acted like the characters in stories, but it was far from it. Mad Madge openly talks about the gritty realities of being human and I find it refreshing and fun.

The design of this production was stunning; giving us an intimate feel with all of the opulence we love from a courtly setting. Astrid Janson, Abby Esteireiro, and Merle Harley joined forces to create the set, costumes, and props. The fluers de lis and lions in alternating patterns on the floor representing both French and English kingdoms was a perfect choice. The costumes are gorgeous, with lush fabrics and period designs they are a marvel. Of course, Margaret’s hats are their own level of quirky spectacle and I love how they continue to evolve throughout the production.

Mad Madge has a fantastic cast to bring this story to life. Rose Napoli dazzles as Margaret Cavendish, her vivacity and ferocity are infused into every moment she’s on stage. Nancy Palk delights as Queen Henrietta; her enthusiastic delivery of some of the more naughty lines elicits uproarious laughter from the the audience. Karl Ang is a charming yet awkward William Cavendish, and his athleticism during the scene changes is very impressive! Wayne Burns and Izard Etemadi are a dynamic duo as Judy and Trudy, they are the mean girls we all dreaded in high school. I also really enjoy Burns’ portrayal of Thomas, whose kindness and support are heartwarming. Completing this incredible cast is Farhang Ghajar, whose expert comedic timing and impersonations make him a delight to watch. You can feel the joy and fun radiating from these actors throughout the performance, which makes it equally a joy for the audience as well.

You don’t have much longer to catch this fabulous show before it closes April 21st so get your tickets right away! You won’t want to miss this laugh-out-loud yet inspirational story. For more information and tickets, visit: https://theatrecentre.org/event/mad-madge/

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Cover Photo: Karl Ang and Rose Napoli. Photo by Dahlia Katz

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