The Massive Tragedy of Madame Bovary – With fast-paced storytelling, misbehaving props and over thirty characters to play, four actors cause havoc as they attempt to recreate the classic yet scandalous French novel Madame Bovary (1856), a book considered so controversial on its release that the author Gustave Flaubert went to court on charges of obscenity. With an eclectic soundtrack and slapstick choreography, Ha Hum Ah Productions and the Minack Theatre shake up the story of Emma Bovary highlighting the anarchy, humour and tragedy from the original in this fresh new adaptation. We sit down with Ben, one of the producers and cast members of The Massive Tragedy of Madame Bovary at Southwark Playhouse to hear more.
Can you tell us a bit about the show?
The Massive Tragedy of Madame Bovary is an anarchic and comedic adaptation of a novel that is traditionally very serious. When it was originally published, the author was even prosecuted for obscenity. It’s safe to say it was highly controversial! What John Nicholson has done so wonderfully is take that original novel, which is beautifully layered and rich, and turn it on its head, creating a highly inventive, playful, and hilarious show. At the same time, it stays true to the core themes and messages of the novel. It’s a fantastic blend of the comedic and tragic. At its core is Emma Bovary and her struggle with living in a heavily patriarchal world, where she feels trapped and unable to pursue the freedoms and desires she craves.
The show sounds incredibly fast-paced, are there any challenges for the cast keeping up with it all?
Yes… Many! It’s somewhat like surfing—once you’re on the wave, you just have to ride it. If you think too hard about it, you can fall off pretty quickly. I suppose the only difference is that this wave lasts for around two hours. It’s incredibly fast and frantic, and while that energy is exhilarating for all of us, it can also be a bit tiring. So snacks are a key player! For me personally, there’s a magic sex routine that usually leaves me a bit breathless, in every sense of the word. It’s rare to get to tell such an epic story in such a distilled and heightened way, so we’re always kept on our toes.
You’re at Southwark Playhouse Borough during the festive season, why is the show suited to this time of year?
Theatre at this time of year is naturally a bit more comedic, I think. When most people think of festive theatre, they imagine shows that are fun, playful, and inventive—and The Massive Tragedy of Madame Bovary ticks all those boxes. But it also offers something fresh, which many festive shows don’t. It’s a new story that audiences likely haven’t seen on stage before. Often, we’re bombarded with the same old tales. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy A Christmas Carol, but how many times have we seen it by now? I think it’s exciting to offer an epic, surprisingly lesser-known story. Audiences will still get that festive, fun vibe, but instead of the usual tricks, we’re offering something unique and unexpected. Plus, if you’re a bit of a Scrooge and tired of holiday-themed theatre, this show really hits the mark!
What would you like audiences to take away from the show?
First and foremost, we want audiences to leave with that achy feeling you get from laughing a little too hard. On a deeper level, Madame Bovary is a story that stands the test of time, much like many other literary classics. We believe that audiences will really connect with her story. Yes, it’s incredibly funny, but it’s also full of pathos and humanity. If people leave with a newfound interest in picking up the novel and exploring it more, then that’s a wonderful outcome.
What’s your favourite line from the show?
That’s a tough one… but one that comes to mind immediately is one of my own lines: “Who knew magic was so sexy!”
What’s next for Ha Hum Ah?
We’re currently developing a new play for 2025 with the Minack Theatre. After some research and development early next year, it will go into production in the autumn, followed by another national tour.
The Massive Tragedy of Madame Bovary will run at Southwark Playhouse Borough 5th December – 11th January. For more information and tickets go to: https://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/the-massive-tragedy-of-madame-bovary/