https://www.gatewaytheatre.com/" target="_blank">Gateway Theatre and Alberta Theatre Projects are pleased to present Wildwoman, a hilarious and daring twist on regal history.

Based on a true story

David Cooper/Gateway Theatre

Written by award-winning Canadian playwright Kat Sandler, Wildwoman follows the story of Catherine de Medici, the young wife of King Henry II of France, who thinks her life in court will be full of fascinating figures and political discourse. Spoiler alert: It’s not. Instead, she’s expected to act as a baby-making machine for male heirs, regardless of her own ambitions.

Who does Catherine find comfort in? Not her lady-in-waiting who schemes at every turn, or the power-hungry mistress of the king. Rather, the super hot (and hairy) wildman that’s kept in the dungeon as one of the king’s caged oddities. He’s friendly and feral, with a presence that gradually awakens Catherine’s own wild side as she transforms from a pawn to a powerhouse.

If this sounds a bit like Beauty and the Beast, that’s because this real-life story was the inspiration for the tale as old as time. Now, the story we all know is getting a bold twist, and you don’t want to miss it.

History, but make it wild

David Cooper/Gateway Theatre

“When I first read this play, it was like my body was filled with bees; I felt inspired, furious, and delighted. The play scared the hell out of me in all the best ways,” Jamie King, Director of Wildwoman says.

The play dives into themes of power, fertility, and legacy with an unflinching gaze, balancing sharp insight with humour. For King, it was inspiring to find something that spoke about both human history and contemporary issues so boldly, yet still made it feel alive and fun.

“I hope for audiences to be delighted at its humour, titillated by its raunchiness, and driven by its violence. This is an urgent play that needs to be seen.”

Know before you go

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The show runs for approximately two hours and 10 minutes, plus a 20-minute intermission, and is recommended for ages 16 and up. Tickets start at $37, but student rush tickets for $25 are available to students on the day of the show.

Additionally, March 26 is a pay-what-you-will preview night, while tickets on March 31 are available two-for-one with the promo code WILDBOGO.

Visit the Gateway Theatre website to secure your tickets, and get ready to enjoy a night of humour and theatrics with Wildwoman.

Wildwoman

When: Thursday, March 26 to Saturday, April 4
Time: Showtimes starting at 1 p.m and 7:30 p.m.
Where: Gateway Theatre — 6500 Gilbert Rd., Richmond
Tickets: $37+