Miracle theatre return to Dorset (From Dorset Echo)

Miracle theatre return to Dorset

9:49am Tuesday 30th June 2009 in

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OUTDOOR theatre experts Miracle Theatre return to Dorset next month, bringing Molière’s Tartuffe to the county.

First staged in 1664 at Versailles, the play is a moral comedy of deception and lies.

The life of honest Orgon has been infiltrated by the hypocritical Tartuffe. This evil schemer has wormed his way into his affections and is about to marry his daughter – who was betrothed to another – and take ownership of his house.

Orgon’s family are aware of the situation and are desperate to break Tartuffe’s hold, although he seems to hold all the cards.

“One of the reasons for Molière’s lasting popularity is his great skill at making us laugh at aspects of human nature which are uncomfortably familiar to us,” says Miracle founder and director Bill Scott.

“I think people see absurd versions of everyone around them, including themselves, in it.

“Tartuffe is the perfect play for our 30th summer – a great story full of larger than life characters. It’s extremely funny, more of a broad farce than anything, and explores very contemporary themes in such an off-the-wall way that it’s hard to believe it was written 350 years ago.”

Since 1979, Miracle’s original, vital and seriously funny brand of theatre has been delighting audiences across Cornwall, the South West and beyond. Thirty years on, extraordinary performances in stunning locations have become Miracle’s speciality and an essential part of summer for audiences of all ages.

“The theatre is better and stronger than ever, with funding and a very strong team of performers and musicians and designers,” Bill added.

“And people still like outdoor theatre, which is great. Last week, performing at the Minac Theatre, there were 200 out to see us in weather that no sensible person would really go out in!”

You can see Miracle Theatre’s Tartuffe this week at Gillingham School tomorrow (7:30pm, call 01747 833844), on the Millennium Green, Mountfield in Bridport on Thursday at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £12 plus concessions from the box office on 01308 424204 or online at bridport-arts.com.

Miracle Theatre are also at Maumbury Rings, Dorchester on Friday and Saturday at 8pm. Tickets are £11, plus concessions, from 01305 266926.

Bring picnics, low-backed seats and rugs, plus cold/wet weather clothes if necessary.