L.A. Present day. French media tycoon Orgon has re-located to Tinseltown with his family, his heart set on becoming Hollywood royalty. With a new studio to his name, and a palatial Beverly Hills mansion, his empire seems infallible. But all is not as it seems as Orgon falls under the seductive spell of Tartuffe, a radical American evangelist. So comprehensively has Tartuffe hoodwinked Orgon that he looks set to steal his fortune, drive away his son, seduce his wife and marry his daughter.
This thrilling new adaptation of Molière’s classic comedy, penned by Academy, BAFTA and Olivier award winner Christopher Hampton, directed by the former dramaturg of the French People’s National Theatre, Gerald Garutti, will premiere as the West End’s first ever dual language theatre production, in English and French. Surtitles are ‘surround titles’ placed throughout the theatre on many levels.
2hrs 30min (incl. interval)
25th May, 2018
28th July, 2018
Location: West End
Railway station: Charing Cross
Bus numbers: (Haymarket) 3, 6, 9, 12, 13, 15, 19, 23, 38, 53, 88, 139, 159
Night bus numbers: (Haymarket) 6, 12, 23, 88, 139, 453, N8, N19, N38, N97, N3, N13, N15, N136, N159
Car park: Leicester Square, Whitcomb Street (2mins)
Directions from tube: (5mins) Go along Coventry Street and then take Haymarket on the right where the theatre will be approx. 200 metres along.
The action of Molière’s classic story transfers to modern sunny California, where Orgon is living the high life as the head of his own movie studio. He’s a wealthy, successful man with a beautiful wife and daughter - a truly picture perfect life. His one weakness? His own ego - something con man evangelist Tartuffe can see a mile away. To Tartuffe, Orgon is the perfect target because he has everything to lose. Using all of his skills of manipulation, Tartuffe wastes no time in turning Orgon’s world upside down. As he succumbs to Tartuffe’s persuasive charms, Orgon soon finds that everything in his life that he loves hangs by a thread. Adapted by multi-award winner Christopher Hampton, you can see this thrilling cautionary tale at London Royal Haymarket Theatre. We all might like to think we’d be smart enough to spot a con, but after seeing Tartuffe, you might not be so sure.
Writer Christopher Hampton, who adapted the play, has won a Tony, Olivier, BAFTA and an Academy Award!
The play was written in 1664 and was actually censored by King Louis XIV due to its themes. Now however, many consider its themes vital to exposing hypocrisy in religion.
The current production is performed in a mix of English and French, including surtitles so audiences never miss a word.
Unfortunately, tickets for this event are no longer available.
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