Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * * *

Cast:  Neil Caple, Simon Coates, Leander Deeny, Daniel Goode, Alison Pargeter, George Potts, Zara Tempest-Walters, Colin Tierney, Harvey Virdi.

For the third time, Moliere, Roger McGough and Gemma Bodinetz combined to make an evening at the Playhouse Theatre so anticipated and enjoyable. Heavily surrounded by a cast that adds that final burst of brilliance that makes The Misanthrope a play a distinguished and tremendous addition to the canon of Moliere plays to now have been performed on the stage in the city.  

With the strains of a ticking clock heralding the arrival of the masque ball, the scene was set for Moliere’s famous cantankerous lover to start dealing with people around him in a more truthful manner and be less inclined to pepper his phrases with couplets designed to spare the feelings of all who want something of him.

Colin Tierney, making a welcome return to Liverpool and the Playhouse Theatre especially, was inspired as Alceste, the man who sees through the pretence and the double talk of rhyme that was so prevalent and a sign of a higher class. His facial expressions spoke volumes as he listened to the fawning and unnecessary flattery that adorned every sentence by the other members of the cast was a joy to behold. The ability to portray undisguised repugnance at the false and overly polite society he finds himself living amongst is captured by Mr. Tierney with utter conviction.

Also making a return to the Playhouse was the superb Neil Caple as the manservant Dubois. One of the city’s favourite acting sons, Mr. Caple showed his comic timing off superbly and at times was stealing the scenes with his impeccable precision, a hard task for anyone to do with confidence, even harder when you are sharing a stage with the acting talent of Simon Coates, Zara Tempest-Walters and Mr. Tierney so close at hand.

The Misanthrope, written by Moliere, adapted with affection by Roger McGough and directed with the skill that Gemma Bodinetz undoubtedly brings to any production she wishes to, is just the comedic and subtle antidote needed to banish the winter blues. It was full of the legendary McGough wit and excellently handled by cast and crew. The Misanthrope is an absolute display of theatre excellence and is laugh out loud funny from start to finish.

Ian D. Hall