Tartuffe, written in rhymed verse, is notoriously difficult to transfer convincingly to spoken dialogue and the cast mostly struggled with this. Bridget Wilkinson (Dorine) was the noticeable exception: her character was colourful and commanding, her dialogue lilting and convincing.
Mike Rogers made a valiant attempt to portray Tartuffe as a lecherous, zealous-but-rogue Evangelist' from the Deep South, with Ray Upson and Kate Grundy both having moments when they impressed.
Molière's ageless classic comedy began brightly enough with jesters and musicians (both very good), typical of commedia-style productions from Molière's time, but then became a mishmash of styles; contemporary clothes looked ordinary against a fine set and the clowns' garish costumes, make-up and facial prosthetics.
The twist at the end of the play left the audience with a smile on their faces, but more wry than mirthful, as this sharp satire was dulled to only the occasional snigger.Ends Saturday.
Southampton University Players - The Nuffield
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