Molière’s Le Malade Imaginaire

 

Months ago I spotted a performance of Molière’s Le Malade Imaginaire, or The Hypochondriac, at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield. I booked tickets immediately. I adore Molière and love Roger McGough's clever translations.

We certainly weren't disappointed. The play fairly zipped along with a wonderful cast, stage set and costumes. This was certainly a performance to brighten up a rather dreary October day.

We laughed all the way through the play. Stand out performances for us were Argan (the titular Hypochondriac) and Béline as Argan's scheming wife. I spent a lot of time puzzling why Béline was so familiar, and then I realised the actor played Morwenna in Doc Marten. An absolutely stellar performance by the whole cast, however. Angélique, Argan's daughter was spirited but devoted, and Toinette played her role of stroppy servant to perfection.

The audience certainly enjoyed the play and the cast received a standing ovation at the end.

I think the musical performances added to the enjoyment. We were regaled with singing, harpsichord and squeeze box.

What a fabulous afternoon's entertainment.