by Moliere (in a new translation by Roger McGough)

24 May - 2 June 2012

Tartuffe, a prime character invented by Moliere in the 17th century, has become another name for hypocrite. In the play, Tartuffe, a wily impostor, is invited into his home by a wealthy merchant, Orgon, who believes Tartuffe to be a paragon of virtue to whom the Orgon family must defer. He even goes so far as preparing to leave Tartuffe his fortune and to offer him his daughter’s hand in marriage. Other less gullible family members come close to exposing him but the slippery Tartuffe always manages to maintain his righteous image. In the end, it is Mme Orgon who exposes Tartuffe for the fraud he is – and exposes her husband for the fool he is. All done with a deliciously light touch and with a happy ending to complete the evening.