When it comes to scatological farce, with equal measures of ‘Carry On’ broad humour thrown in, it would appear that Moliére got there first in the 15th century. Richard Bean’s version of his comedy play poking fun at the conceit and hypocrisy of medics spares no bodily function or embarrassing symptom from full exposure and publicity. In fact I found myself feeling sorry for the cast and wondering how on earth they managed to face dinner afterwards – or perhaps they don’t!
Moliére punctuated his play with bursts of music and song and a rather jolly band of minstrels dressed in surgical scrubs started off the proceedings with a highly complicated song of symptoms some of which I’d never heard and very much hoped I’d never have. Tony Robinson takes the part of Argan, the eponymous hypochondriac who wishes to wed his daughter to trainee doctor so that he will have a medic in the family and get treatment for his imagined ailments free. Dressed in a white night shirt and green nightcap, sitting mostly on a commode, he manages to convince as a frail, old man obsessed with the workings (or not) of his nether regions.
Attended by his boisterous and irreverent maidservant, Toinette, admirably played by Tracie Bennett, he hatches his plan for an arranged marriage of his lovely young daughter, Angelique, who if she doesn’t agree will be despatched to a nunnery forthwith. His second wife, Beline, is interested in the progress of his illnesses, but from the point of view of when will they put an end to him so she can get her hands on the money? Played by Imogen Stubbs, beautifully coiffured and costumed, she was the one that most amused me.
Lisa Diveney was cute as Angelique, the daughter in love with the apprentice, Cleante (Jordan Metcalfe) and Michael Thomas as the only sensible one of the bunch, Beralde, Argan’s brother, brought some weight to the proceedings.
The cast cope commendably with the farce element and a variety of unique props, not least of which is an enema machine. I enjoyed the musical interludes and Andrew Bevis as the singer packed a punch both with his great voice and hearty interpretation of the somewhat unsavoury lyrics. In short – there was plenty to amuse and admire but don’t take your maiden aunt!
Jacquie Vowles