The Hypochondriac

Oh dear, whatever have they done to Molière? The great joy of these classic French farces is a lyrical poetic script – but here it is stripped away to a base scatological nonsense that made a Carry On look like a Shakespeare. Tony Robinson’s portrayal of Argan is at best one dimensional, shouting his way through the whole with little light or shade. Imogen Stubbs is much better as the deceitful money grabbing wife, and Tracie Bennett adds some much needed humour and pace in this ill conceived and mis-directed adaptation. I saw no need for the odd musical unintegrated numbers which added nothing – or to the weird inclusion of a Gilbert and George painting as a cloth – whatever for? Thank god for Craig Gazey, who as Thomas made me smile and even laugh as there were few others that night. When, aping Molière’s own collapse when playing the role, his brother calls to the audience for a doctor, it was hard not to call back and suggest that not even a doctor could bring life to this offering.

Theatre Royal Brighton, 20 October 2014

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