WITH the Restoration of The Monarchy and the arrival of Charles II, theatres, closed under the Protectorate, reopened.

But they were different from Shakespeare’s time-smaller, indoors and expensive; the haunt of the gentry and the court, and of their ladies - and ladies of dubious reputation.

A new class of playwright and a new class of actor, now including women, took to the stage to satirically portray this audience to themselves.

One of the finest of these playwrights was William Wycherley, and his undoubted masterpiece was “The Country Wife”, which Brown Paper Bag Theatre Company perform next week at the Crediton Arts Centre.

In this jewel in the crown of Restoration Comedy, Mr Horner, described as “the lewdest fellow in Town”, has a cunning plan and, as that plan unrolls we are introduced to marriage, sex and love 1670’s style, and a bunch of unforgettable comic characters.

It is recommended to lovers of Costume Drama, as it is beautifully dressed.

This very funny play, directed by Julian Wild and performed by an ensemble of Brown Paper Bag regulars, can be seen in East Street from Wednesday, January 25 to Saturday, January 28, with performances at 7.30pm.

Tickets, priced at £8, are available from Crediton Arts Centre on 01363 773260, Crediton Community Bookshop on 01363 774740, Sandford Community Stores on 01363 775805 or online at: creditonartscentre.ticketsource.co.uk .

Alan Quick