FOUR STARS

 

"Don’t bury your cash in the garden.” As he writes in a programme note, that’s the message playwright Martin Sherman learnt while preparing a new version of Molière’s classic comedy The Miser. And indeed, someone does dig up miser Harpagon’s dosh, even though he is constantly scuttling outside to check that the flowerbeds haven’t been disturbed. Indoors, Harpagon attempts to manipulate the love lives of his flashily dressed son and daughter: “You look like an overdressed turkey,” he snaps at his son. Utterly selfish, and always looking for a profitable marriage settlement, he even attempts to snaffle his son’s bride.

Sherman’s dialogue sparkles in this new Watermill production, directed by the hugely experienced Nancy Meckler, who for 22 years ran the Shared Experience theatre company. Meckler has chosen a cast of young actors, just starting out in the profession. This mostly works very well. “I will love you always,” coos earnest young steward Valere (Daniel Wilde). “Every man says that,” replies Elise (Helen Sorren), Harpagon’s feisty daughter, quick as a flash. Similarly, Elise’s brother Cleante (Ben Ashton) has great fun as he ardently plots to gain the hand of the definitely enthusiastic Marianne (Charlie Russell). Meanwhile, Eliza Collings ages up most humorously as matchmaker Frosine, a lady who has definitely been round the block several times. As Harpagon himself, Alex Mann hasn’t yet quite mastered the body language of an older man — and given that he is dressed in a filthy quilt and plainly never washes, why is it that nobody recoils at the smell of him? But these niggles are easily sorted.

Meckler includes several beautifully performed commedia dell’arte interludes (staged by Clive Mendus) in this thoroughly entertaining production, which left me with only one regret: what a pity it is that Molière isn’t around today, writing a barbed sequel about greedy modern bankers.

Watermill, Newbury

Until May 18

Box office: 01635 46044 or watermill.org.uk