THE Lime Tree Theatre welcomes the Abbey Theatre to Limerick from April 12-15 with Molière’s ‘Tartuffe’, a spectacular dramatic comedy by Irish writer Frank McGuinness.
In a new version of Molière’s Tartuffe retold for 2023 by Irish writer Frank McGuinness, directed by Artistic Director of the National Theatre, Caitríona McLaughlin, the 17th century classic is given an audacious contemporary makeover. The production sees truth face off with deceit before unveiling who has the last laugh.
Visually, the stage setting and costumes will be a magnificent draw to this play. The lavish creations designed by multi-award-winning designer Katie Davenport alone will be worth seeing this stage production for such a visual spectacle. Charming to some, a danger to others, one family risks losing everything if Tartuffe gets his way.
Tartuffe, a sanctimonious scoundrel who, professing extreme piety, is taken into the household of Orgon, a wealthy man. Under the guise of ministering to the family’s spiritual and moral needs, he almost destroys Orgon’s family. Elmire, Orgon’s wife sees through Tartuffe’s wicked hypocrisy and exposes him.
The production stars Ryan Donaldson as Tartuffe [London-based Lisburn man who is known for his screen roles in The Huntsman: Winter’s War (2016), Killing Eve (2018) and Stumbling (2022)] alongside Irish acting stage and screen star Frank McCusker, who plays the tormented Orgon [known for his screen roles in Hunger, Inside I’m dancing, Affair of the Necklace and Penny Dreadful]. Elmire is played by Aislín McGuckan, best known as Dr Liz Merrick in ITV’s Heartbeat, Outlander and RTE/ BBC’s hit TV show Normal People.
Tickets €32/€28 from www.limetreetheatre.ie / Box Office 061 953 400
