About

It's spring on the road to Canterbury. Alyson of Bath, cloth-maker, widow, pilgrim, and five-times-married expert in the arts of love, has plenty to say and no intention of holding her tongue. As hooves clip-clop and birdsong bubbles, she tells of husbands rich and foolish, charming and cruel, and the hard bargains of love. Then comes her tale of a young knight, a terrible crime, and a question that sends him wandering the world in search of an answer no one can agree on.

A hilarious and beautifully poetic romp of word, wit and song, the play bristles with provocation and, just maybe, whispers a hard-won truth about love, power, and what women most desire.

The Wife is The Rude Mechanical Theatre Company's original musical play inspired by The Wife of Bath's Tale. Bursting with live music, poetry and physical comedy, this production is by turns hilarious, provocative and tender.

In Eastbourne, performances take place inside The Little Big Top, a fully covered theatre tent at Helen Gardens, creating an intimate, atmospheric setting whatever the weather.

Running time: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, including interval
Audience: Adults, suitable for mature children able to sit for the full performance
Seating is unallocated. Chairs are provided in the tent.
For tickets, access information and full tour details, visit www.therudes.co.uk

"Highly entertaining" – Time Out (The Wife)

Selected national press on The Rudes.

"A delight" – The Independent on Sunday
"Superbly done" – The Stage
"Such a good night" – The Times