Thursday 19th March 2009
The School Play, February 10th - 13th 2009
It was good to see Moliere on an English stage again - I was reminded of his uniquely comic voice - an appreciation of the absurdity of human behaviour, especially when catalysed by a society riven by an obsession with class and affectation. This demands a very specific type of acting and Lindsay McDonald's production understood this and produced a range of performances that captured what is now regarded as slightly over the top acting, but which suited Moliere's dialogue and characterisation. I sometimes think that the closest we come to Moliere in British Drama is Fawlty Towers - as the narrative becomes more and more convoluted as driven by Basil's lies, so the performances become increasingly 'extreme'.
At the heart of this production was a strong, sustained central performance by Jake Leyland as Argan, very well complemented by Ollie Colegrave as his manipulative servant Antoine (Toinette [female] in the original). This was a well honed double act which allowed the other characters their moments - not least Tom Edkins as Mr Florid, the apothecary, who once again, almost stole the show in the few moments he was on stage. The set design by Charlotte Chisholm was not only beautifully conceived but skilfully realised. It played on the notion of a book that is opened to reveal, initially, one-dimensional, stereotypical characters reminiscent of the stock Commedia dell'Arte figures that then come to life as they are fleshed out and we realise that their weaknesses, desires and obsessions drive the plot.
Overall, this was a very satisfying production that really found its comic heart when the audience was predominantly adult, as the type of wit and insight into human nature which are at the heart of Moliere's dramas is best appreciated by those whose own experience of life allows them to recognise how ridiculously adults can behave especially when they, themselves, think they have grown up.
Mike Morrison
Collections at performances raised £575 for Hospice in the Weald.