Theatre and Dance

A hilarious and uncomfortably recognisable reflection on modern day political and social life - that's the claim for The Grouch, an adaptation of Moliére's masterpiece, 'The Misanthrope'.

A satirical exploration of the activities of courtly life in 17th Century France, 'The Misanthrope' was originally produced in 1666 and became one of Moliére's most popular plays. Now brought bang up to date as 'The Grouch', it tackles a host of contemporary issues, from the phony friends made on Facebook to cash for peerages and our often unquestioning acceptance of the need to be politically correct.

Directed by Playhouse newcomer Sarah Esdaile and written – like Moliere's original - in rhyming couplets, Bolt's madcap satire combines classical echoes with a thoroughly modern analysis of 21st Century living.

The story revolves around Alan - a journalist, academic, and intellectual who is infuriated by the insincerity of his contemporaries and by society in general. He strives to always tell the truth, and takes it upon himself to cut through the hypocrisies of the world around him and speak his mind openly regardless of the consequences.

Jean-Baptiste Poquelin aka Molière

Encouragement by friends to bite his tongue makes him all the more determined to tell everyone exactly what he thinks of their work, life and loves. Unable to disguise his sneering disdain for the writing skills of poet Orville, Alan finds himself tackling allegations of racism, the involvement of the Press Complaints Commission, and a law suit worth £50,000. Meanwhile, he is fatally compromised by his love for Celia, a modern day It Girl, the epitome of all that Alan despises: she is two-faced, manipulative and willing to use everyone around her to get exactly what she wants.

Playwright Ranjit Bolt is one of Britain's leading translators and was awarded an OBE in 2003 for his services to literature. The cast features Allan Corduner taking on the lead role. Allan has worked extensively in theatre, television and film where his credits include 'Fred Claus' as well as more serious fare for Mike Leigh: 'Vera Drake' and 'Topsy Turvy'. Taking on the role of Alan's long suffering friend Philip is Steven Pinder, well remembered for his portrayal of Max Farnham in Brookside.

The Grouch runs at the West Yorkshire Playhouse from Friday 15 February – Saturday 8 March 2008.