Film and television star Paul Anderson will play the titular role of upcoming dual-language comedy Tartuffe.
Having previously played leading roles like Arthur Shelby in Peaky Blinders (BBC), and in The Revenant, the acclaimed actor will now play a radical American evangelist who uproots the life of a Hollywood film tycoon, as Molière’s classic comedy is re-imagined in the 21st century.
Also announced today, French film star Audrey Fleurot will play Elmire, Orgon’s wily wife, who endeavours to avoid the beguiling effects of Tartuffe’s charm. Fleurot’s leading roles have included Joséphine Karlsson in the BAFTA nominated Spiral (Canal+/BBC) and Magalie in the international hit film The Intouchables.
Tartuffe will play a limited ten-week West End run at Theatre Royal Haymarket from Friday 25 May.
Paul Anderson will star in Tartuffe at Theatre Royal Haymarket (Photo: Eric Richmond)
As befitting the Theatre Royal Haymarket, which was known to the play-going world as ‘The New French Theatre’ following it’s opening in 1720, this adaptation of Tartuffe will alternate between English with French surtitles, and French with English surtitles, to reflect the unfolding plot.
The play centres on Orgon, a French media tycoon living the dream Los Angeles life. With a new Hollywood studio to his name, a Beverly Hills mansion to live in, and Tinsel town royalty in his grasp, his life is about to be turned upside down by the charming Tartuffe.
Originally written in 1664, the play became regarded as one of Molière’s most celebrated comedies, and is now adapted by Olivier Award-winning writer Christopher Hampton for this new production.