Royal Shakespeare Company’s The Constant Wife is coming to Chelmsford Theatre

Chelmsford Theatre is set to receive a production from internationally esteemed theatre company, the Royal Shakespeare Company, presented by David Pugh and Cunard. The Constant Wife will run at the theatre from Monday 2 to Saturday 7 March 2026. Tickets are on sale now for Chelmsford Theatre members and will be released for general sale on Wednesday 17 September. 

About The Constant Wife 

The Constant Wife is a modern take on the 1926 comedy play by W. Somerset Maugham. Described as ‘a sparkling comedy of ill manners’, the play explores themes of marriage, fidelity and societal expectations. It follows Constance Middleton, a wife with everything – a loving family, a beautiful home, a fulfilling career, and a husband as devoted to her as he is to his mistress. But when her perfect set up is threatened, spirited Constance fights back and refuses to play by society’s rules. 

This new adaptation is written by Olivier Award-winning pair, playwright Laura Wade (‘Home, I’m Darling’ and ‘Rivals’) and RSC Co-Artistic Director Tamara Harvey (‘Home, I’m Darling’ and ‘Pericles’), with original music by multi award-winning jazz artist Jamie Cullum. 

RSC production to tour UK  

The Constant Wife is the first Royal Shakespeare Company production to come to Chelmsford Theatre.  

Its latest run at the Swan Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon ended in August 2025 and featured Game of Thrones and Downton Abbey star, Rose Leslie, as main character Constance Middleton. 

The touring production will star one of the UK’s favourite actresses, Kara Tointon (‘Pygmalion’ and TV’s ‘Mr Selfridge’). The rest of the cast is yet to be announced but, given the Royal Shakespeare Company’s distinguished reputation, a stellar professional lineup is expected to perform at Chelmsford Theatre.

Historic theatre company brings classic plays to modern-day audiences 

The Royal Shakespeare Company is one of the best-known theatre companies in the world. It brings the plays of Shakespeare and his contemporaries, as well as the works of today’s playwrights, to modern-day audiences around the globe. 

The company’s roots go back to 1879, when local brewer Edward Fordham Flower established a theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon with his son Charles. The RSC as it exists now was formed by Sir Peter Hall in 1961, whose ambition was to produce new plays alongside those of Shakespeare and his contemporaries. 

Today, the company has three permanent theatres in Stratford – the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, the Swan Theatre and The Other Place. It also performs shows in London, Newcastle upon Tyne and on tours across the UK and internationally. 

David Pugh, five-time Olivier Award and two-time Tony Award-winning producer, said:  

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“I’m delighted to have commissioned Laura Wade to adapt this comedy and to be working with the Royal Shakespeare Company on this new production of The Constant Wife. Partnering again with Cunard, with whom I’ve had such a wonderful ongoing relationship, continues to be a joy. For me, in the times that we’re in, there is nothing better than to bring comedy to audiences in theatres all around the UK and to hear people laughing.”

David Pugh, Producer, The Constant Wife

Chelmsford Theatre Director, Rhys Thomas, is thrilled to welcome such an esteemed and historic professional theatre company to Chelmsford this spring: 

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“The Royal Shakespeare Company has an outstanding reputation – recognised the world over, they attract some of the best theatre talent the UK has to offer. Any theatre would feel privileged to welcome them and I am really thrilled for our audiences to get a taste of RSC magic this coming spring.”

Rhys Thomas, Chelmsford Theatre Director

Book your seats for distinguished theatre in Chelmsford  

To experience a Royal Shakespeare Company production here in Chelmsford, book your seats for The Constant Wife via Chelmsford Theatre’s website. Tickets go on general sale on Wednesday 17 September, but if you’re a member you can get booking now. Keep up to date with upcoming shows at the theatre by following them on Instagram and Facebook.