Shakespeare invites us to laugh at one fat Englishman and a couple of foolish foreigners in The Merry Wives of Windsor. This is one reason why, in these more tolerant times, the play does not make entirely comfortable viewing. Another is that it is rather long: after three hours of Stratford’s latest production, one starts to think this is far too much of an admittedly good thing. A very good thing indeed where its stars are concerned. Desmond Barrit, a notable Stratford Falstaff in the Henry IV plays 12 years ago, returns to the role with gusto in Phillip Breen’s modern-dress production of this later work. Former EastEnders star Anita Dobson meanwhile supplies a deliciously comic account of that garrulous go-between Mistress Quickly.

“Show me Sir John in love,” Elizabeth I is reputed to have urged — and the Bard duly obliged. Mind you, love of loot has more to do with the fat knight’s double pursuit of Mistresses Ford and Page. The former’s ‘new money’ status is nicely suggested in the performance of Alexandra Gilbreath, who shows us a sexy woman all too likely to stir up the insane jealousy of her husband (John Ramm). This contrasts nicely with Sylvestra Le Touzel’s bookish and better bred Meg Page, whose husband (Martin Hyder) shows a toff-like confidence in his wife’s fidelity. The play’s principal comic scene involving the famous laundry basket is handled with aplomb. For once, the sub-plot concerning the three suitors eager for the hand of Anne Page (Naomi Sheldon) comes over well, too. A full-on performance is offered by Bart David Soroczynski as the absurd French physician Dr Caius who arrives in a spluttering Citroën 2CV for his duel with windbag Welsh parson Hugh Evans (David Charles). Until January 12 0844 800 1110 (www.rsc.org.uk) THREE STARS