BELL Shakespeare certainly knows how to bring the best out of classic comedy. 

The staging and music facilitated the performances with a delicate efficiency adding to the production setting of a 1920s film set. The actors attacked Justin Fleming’s very apt translation with precision and confidence.

The result was a production that seemed as if it was written and conceived in 2012 rather than nearly 400 years ago.

John Adam’s performance was all the more admirable considering he only recovered his voice at 6.00pm. Every aspect of his performance demonstrated an ease and lightness that created a real connection with the audience, other characters and situations. Harriet Dyer’s Agnes was bursting with sexual energy while responsive to her repressive surroundings.

The play had moments of uncomfortable reminders that some aspects of gender critique have not changed. The wife needing to be “submissive” to the husband and a number of other lessons being taught at this school might appear absurd until one considers that much of the world’s population still regards these lessons as holy truths.

With a superb cast, an excellent translation and some of the finest theatre direction seen on a Canberra stage, “The School For Wives” is a “must-see”!