Poet adds his witty rhymes to the mix

The English Touring Theatre is performing Tartuffe or The Imposter, which was written by Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, who is best known as Moliere, and first performed in 1664 at the fetes held at Versailles.

Probably his most famous play, it was initially censored by devout members of the court of King Louis XIV.

Liverpudlian poet, Roger McGough, has adapted the scathingly amusing classic into a new version written entirely in rhyme. Set in the 17th Century, Tartuffe is a beacon of piety who has his feet firmly under the table at the home of wealthy merchant, Orgon. But all is not as it seems.

As Orgon becomes more enraptured with Tartuffe the whole city gossips. Is he a fraud, a friend, a miracle or a hypocrite?

Orgon’s family become suspicious – they put their heads together and hatch a cunning plan to outwit the wily deceiver before he brings their house crashing down.

In 2009 the English Touring Theatre worked with the Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse in a production of The Hypochondriac. They are reuniting for Tartuffe, which was first performed in its present form three years ago in Liverpool to rave reviews.

Roger McGough is himself no stranger to the stage. He first appeared in front of an audience at the Liverpool Playhouse in 1963 as a monk in John Osborne’s Luther. He has also written more than 50 books.

Tartuffe will be showing at Cambridge Arts Theatre from Tuesday, September 20 to Saturday, September 24.

Performances are at 7.45pm with additional matinee shows on the Thursday and Saturday at 2.30pm. Tickets cost from £15 to £27 plus a £2 booking fee and are available from the box office on 01223 503333 or online at www.cambridgeartstheatre.com

To see an interview with the poet visit www.biggleswadetoday.co.uk