Shakespeare BASH’d closes its 2024/25 season with a one-day-only staged reading of George Etherege’s The Man of Mode – a riotous and bawdy Restoration comedy on sex, love and marriage – on Sunday, May 4, 2025 at the Monarch Tavern.
Comedy of manners at its most biting
The restoration of the theatres was a monumental moment in theatrical history, ushering in some of the most enduring comedies ever written. Restoration comedy* (1660 – 1710), also known as comedy of manners, emerged as a theatre genre when the theatres in England reopened during the reign of King Charles II following their mass closure by the previous regime (one that had espoused Puritan values). This type of comedy is known for sexually explicit language and stories, pushing the boundaries of societal morals while holding a mirror up to society, and featuring rakish protagonists. The writing was timely and decidedly naughty – and productions marked the introduction of female actors (female roles were previously played by boys/young men in England), as well as the emergence of celebrity actors.
Penned in 1676, Etherege’s hilarious The Man of Mode was prototypical of the Restoration comedy genre. Protagonist Dorimant’s rakishness defies the elite society in which he circulates – trying to woo, wed and bed indiscriminately as he courts the young heiress Harriet while attempting to disentangle himself from an affair with Mrs. Loveit.
Don’t miss this one-day only event!
This one-day-only staged reading features an all-star cast, including Dora winner James Graham (Howland, BASH’d, Murdoch Mysteries) as Dorimant, Dora nominee Madelaine Hodges (賀美倫) (BASH’d, TPM/Silk Bath Collective) as Harriet and John Wamsley (Stratford Festival, Canadian Stage) as Sir Fopling Flutter.
Rounding out the cast are Mairi Babb, Isabelle Ellis, Cameron Grant, David Mackett, Kate McArthur, Emma Nelles, Lesley Robertson, Deivan Steele and Breanne Tice.
About Shakespeare BASH’d
A “Bash” is a crushing blow.
It can be powerful and done with passion.
It can be about making an attempt, going at it all on your own.
It can also be a wild night.
Shakespeare BASH’d is an artist-driven initiative that seeks to make classical theatre welcoming, inviting and social. Their aim is to synthesize the classical with the modern, to look at the plays from a place of curiosity, joy, investigation, truth and love. They present staged readings and full productions of seldomly-seen plays by Shakespeare and his contemporaries in casual, social settings and intimate theatre venues, creating an engaging, entertaining and accessible storytelling experience for audiences.
How do we face cruelty?
For their 2024/25 season, Shakespeare BASH’d examines the nature of cruelty – a cruelty full of vengeance and ignorance, fated and malicious. It’s hidden, private and social. It’s a cruelty within us all. Presenting a season of three classic plays, all exploring a version of cruelty and its repercussions, they’ll delve into the impacts and results of malice, oppression and persecution in a variety of forms.
(Photo credits: Shakespeare BASH’d.)
Event details
Hosted by: Shakespeare BASH’d
Type of event: staged play reading
Featuring: Mairi Babb, Isabelle Ellis, James Graham, Cameron Grant, Madelaine Hodges (賀美倫), David Mackett, Kate McArthur, Emma Nelles, Lesley Robertson, Deivan Steele, Breanne Tice & John Wamsley. Read about the cast here.
Date: Sunday, May 4, 2025
Start time: 2:00 PM ET
Duration: approximately 2.5 hours (including intermission)
Cost: $20.00
Location: Monarch Tavern, 12 Clinton St, Toronto, ON M6J 2N8, Canada
Booking link: Book your tickets here.
Contact Details: Shakespeare BASH’d; admin@shakespearebashd.com, shakespearebashd.com
Content warning: For audiences 19+. Mature content.
Accessibility: The Monarch Tavern is accessed up one step, and the washrooms are all located up or down a flight of stairs. Readings are held on the first floor of the bar. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to the theatre company at admin@shakespearebashd.com.
Refund policy: Please contact the organizer.