CONSTANCE Middleton has everything – a loving family, a beautiful home, a fulfilling career and a husband as devoted to her as he is to his mistress. What could possibly go wrong? The answers may surprise you in the RSC production of The Constant Wife which comes to Poole Lighthouse from 27th April to 2nd May and to Bath Theatre Royal from 11th to 16th May.

Somerset Maugham’s original play, staged 100 years ago, was described as a “sparkling comedy of ill manners” – in this brilliant new version, premiered by the Royal Shakespeare Company at Stratford last year, Laura Wade takes a classic of its time and gives the audience a dazzling contemporary comedy that is still faithful to its period.

It’s 1927. Constance is unhappy. “Nonsense,” says her mother (Sara Crowe), “she eats well, sleeps well, dresses well and she’s losing weight. No woman can be unhappy in those circumstances.”

Constance (Kara Tointon) is an exemplary wife and mother – who is well aware that her husband is having an affair with her best friend. However, when her perfect set up is threatened, she fights back but refuses to play by the rules. Can she withstand society’s expectations? And can society withstand the force of a woman determined to do things her own way?

Laura Wade is best known for her plays Posh (filmed as The Riot Club) and Home, I’m Darling, as well as the poignant 2005 drama Colder Than Here, which explores the experiences of a family when the mother receives a terminal diagnosis, and the stage adaptation of Sarah Waters’ Tipping the Velvet. Laura also won the International Emmy for her television series Rivals.

Directed by Tamara Harvey, this production by David Pugh is supported by Cunard, and will make its maritime debut on the Queen Mary 2 transatlantic crossing after this national tour.