Oscar-winning actor Sir Mark Rylance will star in the world premiere of a new adaptation of Moliere’s satirical comedy Tartuffe.
Written and directed by Darren Raymond, the comedy – which follows a hypocritical holy man named Tartuffe as he manipulates his way into a wealthy household – has been reimagined with the storyline relocated to an African-Caribbean household.
The Wolf Hall actor will return to the stage at the Marylebone Theatre in London for a limited run of shows this autumn.
Sir Mark said: “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.”
The award-winning actor will return to the Marylebone Theatre, following his 2024 sell-out performance of Venus And Adonis, and share the stage with Intermission Ensemble – the graduates from the drama charity Intermission Youth, of which the actor is a long-time trustee.
He added: “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.”
Raymond said: ”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.”
Sir Mark is known for starring as Henry VIII’s adviser Thomas Cromwell in the BBC drama Wolf Hall.
He also won an Academy Award for best supporting actor in 2015’s Bridge Of Spies and has taken home two best actor Laurence Olivier awards including in 1994 for his role in Much Ado About Nothing and again in 2010 for Jerusalem.
The full cast and creative team will be announced soon.
