MARK FRANK is an experienced Director but this verse translation of MOLIÈRE'S powerful rebuke to the overly critical (by RICHARD WILBUR) is his first production with Chesil.
The Edwardian set (IAN FRASER), gorgeous costumes (GERRY TUFF and team), use of tableau and a prettily chiming music box help strike a good balance between the absurd and touching aspects of the story of Alceste (ALEC WALTERS) and his rejection of social hypocrisy, despite the warnings of his friend Philinte (JIM GLAISTER in excellent form) and the free spirited fickleness of his beloved (SARAH ANDREWS).
SIMON IRWIN makes the discomforting of arch hypocrite Oronte a particular pleasure, along with RACHEL O'NEILL'S verse speaking, MICHAEL PERIMUTTER'S confident début and ANDREW LECKIE in his second appearance, but these are just examples of a uniformly fine cast.
Convincing and engaging as Alceste, Walters could add to the moments when he appeals directly to the audience.
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