Tartuffe at The Lyttleton

Although originally entitled The Hypocrite and then The Imposter, from 1669 onwards Moliere decided his play should bear the title, Tartuffe, this being the name of the main character. This title is now used to mean a pretender to piety and, despite being written so long ago, the play lends itself brilliantly to a modern update.  Originally a comedy aimed at satirising the hypocrisy of rich Parisians, the target in John Donnelly’s new version currently showing at The Lyttleton, are wealthy North London liberals.  You know the type – those thirty-something London men who feel the need to go sockless whilst wearing shoes in order to prove how trendy they are.

That this household’s taste is rather dubious is showcased by a huge, golden replica of Michelangelo’s David placed stage right in Robert Jones’s accomplished set. This over the top swanky Highgate townhouse, is the residence of Orgon (Kevin Doyle), whose wealth was obviously acquired under dubious circumstances, and his family.  Orgon has brought, what is obviously a bogus West Coast guru, (all “namaste” and no substance) into the household, which is causing his family some concern.  Does this mean an end to their extravagant party lifestyle?  Probably, yes, for Yoga specialist Tartuffe not only has a body that bends at will but has also managed to bend the will of their multi-millionaire father, who believes this scrawny, long haired imposter to be the second coming.  Orgon, to the surprise and horror of all, is in thrall to this interloper, believing, without question that his new-found friend and saviour hasn’t a bad bone in his body.  That Tartuffe is a complete charlatan is obvious, but Orgon only sees what he wants to see, believing instead that this man is the route to atonement for his sins and that of his class.

American actor Denis O’Hare, complete with man bun and dubious hygiene plays the sponging philanderer with aplomb and is a credit to Blanche McIntyre’s funny, fast paced production.  The rest of the cast also aquit themselves well, especially Olivia Williams as Elmire and Geoffrey Lumb, playing Valere, the socialist poet and boyfriend of Orgon’s daughter Mariane (Kitty Archer).  My only problem is with Doyle’s Orgon who seems too ineffectual to have either amassed a fortune or get angry enough to expel Mariane from her home unless she obeys him and marries Tartuffe.

But these are only minor criticisms.  Tartuffe is farcical fun, joyfully poking a finger at those self-serving trendies, whose only worry is when the next party will take place.