School For Wives
School For Wives
St. Austell Players
Period drama is never easy to produce and only a brave am dram society tackles Moliere,
but STAPS director, Fearless Freddie Rowe and his team do it with panache. Set in 17th
Century France, School For Wives caused public outcry when Moliere's tale first appeared.
Telling the story of Arnolfe, an elderly man, played brilliantly by Andrew Kennedy, the play
touches on love, lust, paedophilia, infidelity and unsuitable marriages. Arnolfe keeps his
young and beautiful ward, Agnes, locked away from society in order to groom her for
marriage to himself. Jessica Mitchell positively blooms as Agnes in a role that calls for
both innocence and knowledge of young love. Locked in a house with only two stupid -
and very funny servants, played by Emma Taylor Giles and Tony Pickup, Agnes falls in love
with handsome young passer-by, Horace. Darren Seed shines in the role of Horace,
determined to get the girl no matter what. To add to the confusion is Arnolfe's friend,
Chrysalde - the voice of reason, with a sympathetic performance from David Smith. The play
rattles along with a series of deceits, confusions and misunderstandings as St. Austell Players
continue to provide top class theatre.
The play runs from 11th - 15th and 18th - 22nd August, tickets available from 01726 879500 or
Sheila Vanloo
August 2009