Kara Tointon to Star in The Constant Wife at Leeds Grand Theatre
March 17, 2026Acclaimed production of Somerset Maugham’s play arrives in Leeds
The Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of The Constant Wife, adapted by Laura Wade from W. Somerset Maugham’s comedy, will be performed at Leeds Grand Theatre from 14 to 18 April 2026. The production features actress Kara Tointon, known for her roles in Mr Selfridge and as a winner of Strictly Come Dancing, in the lead role of Constance.
About the play and adaptation
The Constant Wife is a play originally written by W. Somerset Maugham over 100 years ago. The story centres on Constance, a woman who appears to be the perfect wife and mother, despite her husband’s infidelity with her best friend. The adaptation by Laura Wade has been described as a fresh and humorous take on the original, with dialogue that feels contemporary despite the play’s age.
Kara Tointon on her role and the production
Kara Tointon has spoken about her enthusiasm for the role of Constance, calling it “the best role I’ve ever been given.” She praised the adaptation for its wit and relevance, noting that the play “could have been written in 2026.” Tointon described Constance as a “razor-sharp heroine” and “an accidental powerhouse” who drives the action of the play.
Reflecting on her acting career, Tointon shared that her interest in performance began in childhood through speech and drama lessons, which helped her build confidence despite challenges with dyslexia.
Personal insights from Kara Tointon
In recent years, Tointon has publicly discussed her experience undergoing a double mastectomy after testing positive for the BRCA 1 and 2 genes, which increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. She has emphasised the importance of sharing personal health stories to support others and is now an ambassador for the Eve Appeal, a gynaecological cancer charity.
She described the therapeutic value of hearing others’ experiences during her own health journey and encouraged openness about such issues.
Production details and accessibility
- Dates: 14–18 April 2026
- Venue: Leeds Grand Theatre
- Producer: David Pugh, noted for keeping ticket prices affordable
Tointon highlighted the importance of theatre accessibility, supporting efforts to maintain reasonable ticket prices so that a wider audience can experience live performances.
Additional information
The Constant Wife is part of a touring production that will visit several locations before arriving in Leeds. Tointon expressed excitement about touring and performing in different cities.
Period dramas have been a significant part of Tointon’s career, and she noted the unique opportunity theatre provides to immerse oneself in historical settings.
Source
Information sourced from Leeds Heritage Theatres.
