I recently visited The Lowry to watch The Constant Wife, and there’s something both intriguing and slightly unsettling about a play written almost 100 years ago that still feels so strikingly relevant today.Â
Originally written by William Somerset Maugham, The Constant Wife presents itself as a light, witty comedy – but beneath that polished surface lies a much deeper exploration of societal pressures, marriage, independence, and the expectations placed on women, which happen to be some of my favourite themes when attending a show!
At the centre of it all is Kara Tointon as Constance Middleton, delivering a performance that is both controlled and quietly captivating. Constance appears, at first, to be the perfect wife – composed, elegant, and entirely unbothered by the world around her. Yet as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that she is always one step ahead. While those around her believe she is unaware of her husband’s affair with her best friend, she has, in fact, known all along.
Dressed in a silky champagne gown with delicate chain-like detailing, Constance’s appearance adds another layer to the storytelling. The motif feels almost symbolic of the constraints placed upon her – a quiet reflection of the expectations of marriage she quietly begins to challenge.
Tointon handles this with impressive subtlety, paired with a quiet sense of smugness that adds further depth to the character. There’s a calm confidence to her portrayal, paired with a knowing control that keeps the audience constantly questioning her intentions. She never overplays the role, instead allowing Constance’s intelligence and independence to reveal gradually.
The way Constance subverts expectations is very interesting to watch. Rather than portraying a submissive, obedient wife, she presents Constance as a sharp, self-assured woman with wit and impeccable comedic timing. There’s a lightness to her performance too – Constance rarely takes anything too seriously, and Tointon captures that effortlessly, fully immersing herself in the character and the world of the 1920s.
Sara Crowe as Mrs Culver
Sara Crowe brings plenty of humour as Mrs Culver, Constance’s mother, whose views on marriage feel outdated even within the 1920s setting. Her character represents a more ‘traditional’ perspective, offering a clear contrast to the more progressive attitudes of Constance and her sister, Martha. Crowe delivers these moments with sharp comedic timing, drawing genuine laughter while reinforcing the social expectations the play is quietly challenging.
Jocasta King as Mary-Louise Durham
Stepping into the role for this performance, Jocasta King plays Mary-Louise – Constance’s best friend and the woman at the centre of the affair.
King brings a sharp sense of humour to the role, creating a character that the audience can’t help but love to hate. Her delivery leans into Mary-Louise’s boldly ironic views and unapologetically self-serving outlook, making her both frustrating and entertaining in equal measure.
From subtle facial expressions to well-judged comedic timing, King fully embodies the character, adding an extra layer of energy to each scene she’s in. It’s a confident performance that makes Mary-Louise a memorable presence throughout.
Philip Rham as Bentley
Philip Rham also stands out as Bentley, bringing a warm, steady presence to the production. It’s a familiar ‘father-figure’ style role within this type of play, but Rham’s understated humour makes the character quietly memorable.
His performance doesn’t demand attention, yet consistently adds to the tone of the piece, providing balance and moments of levity throughout.
A story that still resonates
What makes The Constant Wife particularly compelling is how timely it feels today. Set in the 1920s, the play explores gender roles, financial independence, and societal expectations – themes that, perhaps surprisingly, still resonate strongly with modern audiences.
Watching it in 2026, those parallels felt especially striking. With conversations around gender and relationships significantly dominating headlines, particularly following Louis Theroux’s The Manosphere documentary, the play’s commentary feels far from historical. Instead, it lands with a sharp, contemporary edge.
Certain lines prompt audible reactions, drawing laughs, surprise, and even moments of discomfort, as the script highlights attitudes that don’t feel entirely unfamiliar despite their period setting. The writing is sharp and intelligent, filled with humour that lands naturally without undermining the more thought-provoking ideas beneath it. It strikes a careful balance between lightness and depth – holding up a mirror to society while allowing the audience to laugh at its contradictions.
Writing, tone and staging
This production thrives on its dialogue. The script is quick, clever, and often unexpectedly funny, with a rhythm that keeps the audience engaged throughout.Â
The story itself continually shifts, with Constance remaining just elusive enough to keep you guessing. There’s something almost playful in the way she navigates each situation – you’re never quite sure what she’ll say or do next, while those around her, particularly her husband John, feel almost like pawns within her carefully controlled world.
What stands out most is the way the play handles independence. Rather than reacting emotionally, Constance approaches her circumstances with clarity and intent, even ensuring she is financially self-sufficient. It’s a subtle but powerful element of the story, woven in without ever feeling heavy-handed.
Final thoughts
The Constant Wife is a clever, witty, and quietly powerful piece of theatre. It draws you in with its humour and elegance, then leaves you reflecting on its themes long after the final scene.
Kara Tointon leads the production with a confident and compelling performance, supported by a strong cast and sharp, engaging writing throughout.
This is a show that doesn’t rely on spectacle to make an impact. Instead, it offers a story that is both simple in its setting and complex in its ideas, unfolding in a thoughtful, controlled way while remaining consistently engaging.
The Constant Wife is on at the Lowry for a limited time. Book your tickets now.
Kelsey Haslam is the founding editor of Magenta Adventures Travel Publication and a freelance travel writer with a focus on community-based travel, culture-led experiences, and theatre tourism. She is passionate about spotlighting lesser-known destinations and connecting travellers with meaningful, human-centred stories.
Her published work includes destination features and luxury hotel reviews for leading travel outlets such as A Luxury Travel Blog, Beau Monde Traveler, and Luxury Lifestyle Magazine.
Explore more about Kelsey’s background on the About Page.
