Review: THE HYPOCHONDRIAC, Sheffield Crucible
Photo credit: Manuel Harlan
Sheffield Theatres’ latest production to take to the Crucible stage is Roger McGough new adaptation of Moliere’s The Hypochondriac. It centres around Argan who has become obsessed with medicine and worships doctors, so much so that he has become convinced he has almost every illness and ailment you could possibly have. The play is a fairly traditional classic romp, with fun musical numbers, a talented cast and a very funny script.
Sarah Tipple directs the play that, on the whole, moves at a good pace, although the first act feels much longer than the second. She, through McGough’s adaptation, manages to make the piece feel like a historical classic whilst never feeling dated. Every single joke still lands perfectly today. The show is very much a witty comedy as opposed to slapstick, which is refreshing as they can seem a bit rarer today.
Colin Richmond’s set is spectacular and his costumes are colourful and traditional, grounding the piece, despite how ludicrous the plot can be, in a level of reality. Oliver Birch’s composition is fantastic, also helping to ground the piece in its historical time period.
Leading the cast as Argan is Edward Hogg. He gives a wonderful performance and brings to life the character’s journey brilliantly. His character is almost a little Scrooge, starting as someone we don’t particularly like and becoming an endearing man who sees the world as we and those around him do. Alongside Hogg is Zweyla Mitchell Dos Santos as Toinette who is just fantastic. She is likeable and funny, full of energy and has strong comic timing.
Saroja-Lily Ratnavel is a joy as Argan’s daughter, Angelique. We immediately warm to her and want her to end up with her true love. She finds the perfect balance between leaning into the larger than life nature of the play whilst also finding moments to give a truly passionate and emotional performance. Zak Ghazi-Torbati is excellent as Angelique’s love interest, Cleante. He gives a funny yet heartfelt performance, and Ratnavel and Ghazi-Torbati have a lovely on stage chemistry.
Other great performances amongst the supporting cast come from Garmon Rhys who is hilarious as Thomas Diaforius, Jessica Ransom who is bubbly and energetic as Beline, Argan’s second wife, and Chris Hannon who is terrific as both Doctor Diaforius and Beralde. We didn’t even realise he played both characters until reading the programme after the show!
The Hypochondriac is brilliant fun. Whilst it may not be about to set the world alight or have lots to say politically about the world we live in today, it’s a lovely night out for those in and around Sheffield.
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Jacob Bush
The Hypochondriac plays at Sheffield Crucible until 21 October, with further information here.