The Misanthrope
Crimp's modern day interpretation just snears at the cult of celebrity and vanity, but doesn't land more than a glancing blow on its all powerful facade
The Misanthrope
The Misanthrope
Crimp's modern day interpretation just snears at the cult of celebrity and vanity, but doesn't land more than a glancing blow on its all powerful facade
Why see The Misanthrope?
Damian Lewis leads an outstanding ensemble with Tara Fitzgerald, Keira Knightley and Dominic Rowan in Martin Crimp's blistering version of Molière's greatest comedy, The Misanthrope.
Transported from 17th century Paris to modern-day London, Alceste (Damian Lewis) is a famous British playwright disillusioned and angry with the hypocrisy, shallowness and vanity of the contemporary world.
Vowing to reject society, Alceste's plans are derailed when he falls madly in love with Jennifer (Keira Knightley). An ambitious American film star and darling of the social scene, she may prove to be his biggest challenge yet.
Key Information
Audience
The Misanthrope is suitable for audiences aged 16 and upwards as there is frequent profanity.
Run Time
Two hours 10 minutes with a 15 minute intermission.
Dates
Finished 13 Mar 2010
Cast
Damian Lewis as Alceste
Keira Knightley as Jennifer
Tara Fitzgerald as Marcia
Dominic Rowan as John
Tim McMullen as Covington
Nicholas Le Provost as Alexander
Kelly Price as Ellen
Chuk Iwuji as Julian
Keira Knightley as Jennifer
Tara Fitzgerald as Marcia
Dominic Rowan as John
Tim McMullen as Covington
Nicholas Le Provost as Alexander
Kelly Price as Ellen
Chuk Iwuji as Julian
Creative
Director: Thea Sharrock
Adapted by: Martin Crimp
Design: Hildegard Bechtler
Costumes: Amy Roberts
Lighting: Peter Mumford
Sound: Ian Dickinson
Adapted by: Martin Crimp
Design: Hildegard Bechtler
Costumes: Amy Roberts
Lighting: Peter Mumford
Sound: Ian Dickinson
Reviews
Customer reviews
15 reviews, average rating: (3.7 Stars)
A.B.
Brilliant!
Excellent play with an outstanding performance of Damian Lewis and Keira Knightley! Absolutely brilliant adaptation combining modern characters with Moliere's 17th century original script.
... Read more
gary morgan
Lewis's triumph...and FitzGerald's.
Though attention was directed at star Kneightley, in fact while more than capable, the honours are Lewis's...and Tara FitzGerald must not be ignored; she is forceful, Lewis mesmerising - one seeming aside about we in the audience mocked for rather being at the Tate Modern was hilarious (I met Lewis weeks later in the Donmar and, on my asking if he had improvised this he said, with trademark twinkle, "Shameless overracting"). To be fair, Knightley's character is a touch superficial...as is the importing of film talent driving up the prices. T'riffic entertainment nonetheless. ... Read more
Doris
FANTASTIC
Great adaption of Moliere's Misanthrope, all people act fantastic in it. Especially Damian Lewis is brilliant. It can get annoying that the whole play is with rhyme, but I found it beautiful to listen to.
It's a great story which make you think about your situation afterwards. Well done! ... Read more
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