The Imaginary Invalid

 
 

Waikato Times Review
What: The Imaginary Invalid, directed by Michael Switzer. The Hamilton Performing Arts Trust.
Where: Medici Court, Hamilton Gardens.
When: Saturday 21, Sunday 22, Saturday 28 February 2009, 6pm
Reviewed by: Ben Stanley
Whoever thought an enema could be so funny? In the beautiful intimate setting of the Hamilton Gardens' Medici Court, the Hamilton Performing Arts Trust's performance The Imaginary Invalid treats audience to a real taste of 17th century French comedy.
The play is one of famed French playwright Moliere's greats, and it's easy to see why.
It sees Argan (vertran Hamilton actor Brian Bevege), a hypochondriac and fool, complaining of various ailments while attempting to find a husband for his young daughter Angelique (Kristen Romano).
Little does he know that Angelique has eyes for only one, her singing teacher, the dashing Cleante (Richard Homan), even though her father has accepted his doctor's son Thomas' (Michael Forde) proposal instead.
Argan's scheming and tempestuous wife Beline (Alice Kimber-Bell) provides another element, while his maid Toinette (Sarah Bettle) tries to keep control of it all.
A highlight for me was Michael Forde and his long-winded introductions to Angelique and Beline, though most audience members would agree that the most eye-catching performance was by Alice Kimber-Bell, who had most male audience members regularly bitting their bottom lips.
The real star turn was Sarah Bettle as Toinette. She provided the performance with a dependable humour and wit throughout, and always had a real energy when taking the floor.
Director Michael Switzer and his nine-person cast does a fine job of bringing Moliere's classic to the stage, and though it was far from polished last night, The Imaginary Invalid has the ability to become one of the Festival's highlights.

Presented by the Hamilton Performing Arts Trust and  proudly sponsored by Print House Ltd.

Director - Michael Switzer
Producers - Nicolas Wells and Renee Casserly

Cast
Argan - Brian Bevage
Toinette - Sarah Bettle
Angelique - Kirsten Romano
Beline - Alice Kimber-Bell
Cleante - Richard Homan
Thomas - Michael Forde
Dr Purgon - Nicolas Wells
M. Bonnefoi - Michael Switzer