IT takes a certain type of confidence and a certain type of self-belief to take on a play written in 1675.

But over 350 shows, Harlow Theatre Company (HTC) has always committed to producing as much variety as possible.

It is what makes them a jewel in the dramatic crown not only in Harlow but across the region.

This was (fairly) bawdy comedy full of love, lust and betrayal. Or to break it down, a sort of Restoration farce.

A hilarious restoration comedy with a contemporary edge satirising the sexual duplicity of the well to do in the 17th century. It’s risqué, rude and racy! Characters are a plenty in this comedy of manners meets burlesque where deception, lies and conspiracies are the order of the day.

Firstly, you have to have the right director and once again, Jane Miles stepped up to the plate.

Jane has the talent and the ability to get the very best out of her actors and this was so clearly on show at The Country Wife.

Every inch of Jane’s expertise and attention to detail was on display. Jane was taking on a difficult challenge and triumphed.

The play starts and is punctuated by modern music excerpts. It started with “I’m Too Sexy” and had many a highlight, especially Under Pressure and Pump It Up.

But it was a number of great performances that elevated this production. Joe Bishop was an absolute joy. He has real stage presence and, as a trained ballet dancer, was a “notorious London rake” in perfect motion.

There was a danger of actors taking their performances and turning the dial to 11. But many of the leads played it perfectly. This needed outlandish character but also nuance.

My, Alfie Howard is good. His Sparkish was like a fusion between James Corden and Philip Seymour Hoffman. His raffish character was an utter joy. His every utterance was hilarious and he made his character his own. He is a truly very talented comic actor. Again, his body language and the way he carried himself was perfect.

Then there was the joyful Georgia Bryson, who has become a real must-see actress for HTC and well as the Heath Players.

Her country wife is such an eccentric turn. And again she lights up the stage. She really bounces off others actors whilst making her character her own. Georgia is always totally invested in the part and produced the moment of the evening when she dropped the F-bomb.

HTC has such a strong stable of actors that a reviewer hopes we do not take esteem for granted. Jess Ricketts has grown so much as an actress and is now probably one of the most versatile. Whilst Michelle Brisa Jimenez is just a class act. Her CV stands for itself. That includes The Royal Opera House and The Royal Albert Hall.

We thought the production brought the best performance we have seen out of Kevin Smith. Forgive us if we do not mention everyone (in this version) because it was so vital, in a one set production, that each actor was at the top of their game.

If we have one criticism then we felt the second half was too long and it was in danger out outstaying its welcome. The whole production was (inc. interval) three hours long. There was one scene after 10pm that could have been judiciously pruned.

However, well done to wardrobe who produced some outstanding 17th century costumes. You could see all the hard work that production team had undertaken.

There was a very healthy audience on Wednesday night and we hope it continues through to Saturday.

As we said, Harlow Theatre Company perform at the very highest level of what we call amateur dramatics or local theatre.

The quality of the acting, as we said, was superb and it was joy to watch. We still maintain that we are blessed in Harlow and the surrounding area.

Raunchy, raucous and really really good.

Through to Saturday.

Click below for more details.

https://www.harlowtheatrecompany.org.uk/auditions