Theatre Preview: Tartuffe (Remixed) at Marylebone Theatre London

It’s an exciting time at the Marylebone Theatre, emerging as London’s new home for high-quality drama.

The Price by Arthur Miller has received extraordinary acclaim – it really is that good – following on from the 5-star reviews of Daniel’s Husband by Michael McKeever.

Soon to go on sale is a new production of Moliere’s Tartuffe, starring Mark Rylance for the Autumn of 2026. Written and directed by the brilliant Darren Raymond, Tartuffe (Remixed) is a new version of the classic French comedy, which is presented in partnership with Intermission and the producing duo of Patrick Myles and David Luff. This production likely sees Rylance reunited with set and costume designer ULTZ following collaborations on Jerusalem and Much Ado About Nothing.

Relocated to an African-Caribbean household in contemporary London, Tartuffe (Remixed) is a deliciously biting comedy in rhyming couplets, which brings both new humour and modern pathos to the original text.

In the lead-up to Christmas, the outspoken Afolabi–Williams family gathers at Oga Afolabi’s mansion for their annual four-week reunion, a tradition always fraught with drama. This year is especially eventful as preparations unfold for Marianne’s wedding to Valere. Tensions escalate with the arrival of Tartuffe, a seemingly devout man who has quickly gained Oga’s trust and a permanent place in the household, despite others’ suspicions. As the holiday approaches, the family must confront rising conflicts over faith, manipulation, and control beneath their polished traditions.

Mark Rylance and Darren Raymond

Tartuffe (Remixed) is a a co-production between Marylebone Theatre and David Luff and Patrick Myles in partnership with Intermission, the graduate ensemble of Intermission Youth, of which Darren Raymond is the Artistic Director and Mark Rylance has been a long-term patron and advocate.

Darren Raymond says: “The production is a massive nod to the next generation. Mark will be starring alongside some of Intermission Youth’s alumni. This isn’t just a performance; it’s a tangible bridge between a stalwart of the stage and the young talent he has spent years mentoring. I am thrilled to see our company’s signature style come to life, where original verse meets the raw, rhythmic tapestry of cultural sounds that define our modern society.”

Mark Rylance says: “Since 2009 I’ve adored Darren Raymond’s productions of Shakespeare, created for his Intermission Youth theatre company. So, I’m very excited to work with him directing Intermission Ensemble, a professional company, remixing Moliere’s satirical masterpiece. Darren’s genius for language and humour guarantees this will be a Tartuffe like no other. Our early rehearsals have been hilarious. The mix of a corrupt English missionary in a contemporary African Caribbean family culture is bringing out the authentic cadence and revolutionary meaning of this classic play.”

Alexander J Gifford, Artistic Director of the Marylebone, says: “For many years, Darren has been creating amazing, “remixed” versions of Shakespeare’s plays for his young actors. In partnership with Mark, he has turned his hand to Moliere and the result is a brilliantly funny, surprisingly poignant new play. Mark was born to play Tartuffe and I have no doubt that he will deliver another iconic stage-performance. I am tremendously excited to be partnering with Intermission, whose ensemble of professional actors have all come up through Darren’s youth programme. They are not just fantastically talented, but highly-trained and united by a spirit of family. I expect audiences to fall in love with Tartuffe (Remixed) and for it to be hailed as an outstandingly original, deeply moving version of the classic French comedy.”

No dates announced yet – expect this October.

marylebonetheatre.com

Read more about the force behind The Chelsea Theatre where Intermission’s Juliet and Romeo played November 2021.

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