Review: The Massive Tragedy of Madame Bovary at Royal & Derngate, Northampton.

Taking the French novel, it is a story of a woman driven to despair by a patriarchal society.

However because of the concept of the part, it inevitably leads to plenty of laughs. Indeed, there’s a lesson that many theatre companies could learn in that the story is told effectively with a scant set and a limited number of props.

Towards the end of the show, there are several twists and turns, nimbly switching between the two very different tones of the piece.

This is a piece which rattles along, has plenty of laughs and is highly recommended.

The show can be seen until Saturday. For tickets call the box office on 01604 624811 or visit www.royalandderngate.co.uk.