Corruption will not go unpunished in Thomas Middleton’s blackly funny, fast and ferocious tragedy Women Beware Women.

Women Beware Women is set in the Italian court, where wealth secures power, power serves lust, and the lascivious Duke can play wherever he chooses. He catches the eye of another’s exquisite bride, Bianca. Can a glance secure her fate or a bribe appease her husband?

Isabella’s father would marry her off to a rich young idiot, while Hippolito has won her trust and desires her truly. But he is her uncle. These are her choices. If twice-widowed Livia conspires against her sex to gain a little clout, she is only fighting to survive.

Women Beware Women is directed by National Theatre Associate Director Marianne Elliott, who has previously directed All’s Well That Ends Well, Harper Regan, Mrs Affleck and the award-winning Saint Joan, Pillars Of The Community and War Horse for the South Bank venue.

The cast of Women Beware Women is led by Harriett Walter, who has previously appeared at the National in Dinner, Life X 3 and Arcadia, and original The History Boys cast member Samuel Barnett.

Women Beware Women plays as part of the Travelex £10 season.

For more about Women Beware Women at the National Theatre read the First Night Feature.