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| Director John Sheen |
Newport Playgoers are off to the famous outdoor Minack Theatre in Cornwall where audiences will discover why the name Sheen is synonymous with theatre at its very best.
John Sheen, father of musical theatre star Caroline Sheen and uncle of award-winning actor Michael Sheen, is the director of the classic Molière farce ‘The Hypochondriac’, which has been updated by legendary Liverpool poet Roger McGough.
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Argan (Richard Dymond) looks for
another ailment to
suffer from.
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“This modern take on Molière’s very funny comedy is a lavish costume romp packed with fakes – a wealthy hypochondriac who pretends to be dead, a wife who pretends to love her husband and doctors who pretend to understand medicine,” said John.
“I think we’ve concocted the perfect remedy for all the doom and gloom that’s around these days.”
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Hypochondriac Argan (Richard Dymond) is
outwitted by his
wily maid Toinette (Claudia Barnes)
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The play, which was a great success during its run at the Dolman Theatre earlier this month, features several members of Playgoers who have proved a hit with Minack audiences in previous years. Richard Dymond is perfect as Argan who delights in collecting ailments, while Claudia Barnes excels as the canny, scheming maid Toinette. Others stepping into the spotlight include Caroline Drewett-Mansell as Beline, Argan’s gold-digging wife, Rachel Fenwick as his daughter Angelique who is pursued by Ryan Salter as foppish suitor Thomas, and the man she loves, Cleante, played by Kevin Myers.
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Beline (Caroline Drewett-Mansell) is overjoyed
when Toinette
(Claudia Barnes) announces
her husband is dead |
Two years ago, Newport Playgoers enjoyed enormous success at Minack with another Molière play, ‘Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme’, and they are hoping for a repeat performance – and good weather.
‘The Hypochondriac’ by Roger McGough is at the Minack Theatre from 9th – 13th July. For more information phone 01633 263670 or visit www.dolmantheatre.co.uk or www.newportplaygoers.wordpress.com.
