Holden Street Theatres, till 15 March 20202
Review – Geoff Jenke
Something you don’t see very often, subtitles in a Fringe Show. Tartuffe, a tale about the ultimate conman, showing at the Holden Street Theatres, is an adoption of Moliere’s 17th century French play that has been relocated to Scotland. Hence the sub titles that appeared at the top of the stage. The accent is very broad Scottish and while sometimes it seems distracting; at times they are necessary.
The setting is a 1940 Scottish living room and the head of the house (this is 1940) Orgon, (played by Andy Clark) has fallen under the spell of Tartuffe (played splendidly by Harry Ward). Tartuffe is trying to seduce Orgon’s wife, Elmire (played perfectly by Nicola Roy) while also out to swindle Orgon out of his house and money.
It is left up to Elmire and the maid, Dorine (the wonderful Joyce Falconer) to plan revenge and set things right.
Tartuffe, “Ah’m nae Angel” the character, is right out of 1940’s theatre. He is a mean villain who will do whatever it takes to get what he wants. When he appears on stage you just want to boo him off and when things go wrong for him, cheer and yell.
A lovely comedy that will have you laughing and barracking for the “good guys” in the room. Make sure you make the effort this Fringe to get to the Holden Street Theatre’s and see this production (and checkout other wonderful shows at the site.)
Simply wonderful.
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