The Misanthrope Tickets

Martin Crimp’s edition of Moliere’s classic reaches the stage of the Comedy Theatre this December with a star studded cast taking to the stage and presenting a world in which 21st century resentment collides with modern culture.

Two movie stars will be starring in the production, alongside some well known faces from television and the stage. So those wishing to witness the production will have the pleasure of seeing “Pirates of the Caribbean” star Keira Knightley in the production, opposite “Band Of Brothers” performer Damian Lewis, whilst the rest of the cast is composed of Tara Fitzgerald, Tim McCullen and Dominic Rowan.

“The Misanthrope” is the classic comedy of manners that was originally penned by the French Playwright Moliere in the 17th century. In this adaptation by Martin Crimp, we follow the plight of a famous playwright who takes the form of Alceste (Lewis), a man disappointed and resentful of the 21st century culture, believing it to be misguided and shallow. But this mindset will soon be challenged as events take an unexpected turn; in walks Jennifer (Knightley), a Hollywood film star who changes his entire view of the world. It seems that Alceste will now be heading down a new path, with Jennifer proving to be more than he can handle.

It is not uncommon for modern adaptations of “The Misanthrope” to appear on the stage, with versions by Tony Harrison and Liz Lochhead updating the proceedings to fit in with the modern day, with the Scottish Parliament being the target in Lochhead’s version. Crimp’s new version appears only two years after Ranjit Bolt’s February 2008 version emerged in the form of “The Grouch”, with the modern city of London satirised in the show. In Moliere’s original production, French aristocratic society was satirized and highlighted for its hypocrisies.

The star cast is likely to draw a large number of people to the Comedy Theatre, with many eager to see Knightley walk the stage following various hit movie and television shows, including three “Pirates of the Caribbean” movies “The Curse Of The Black Pearl”, “Dead Man’s Chest” and “At World’s End”. They appeared amongst other films like “Bend It Like Beckham” and “Love Actually”.

Likewise, Damian Lewis appears following work for film such as “Dreamcatcher” and “The Escapist”, as well as television work in “Band of Brothers” and “The Forsyte Saga”. For the stage he has appeared in “Pillars of the Community” at the National Theatre and “Little Eyolf” for the Royal Shakespeare Company.

“The Misanthrope” appears at the Comedy Theatre from Thursday 17th December 2009 (previews from Monday 7th December 2009) until Saturday 13th March 2010.