By Neil Durham

WORTH A LOOK?: ****

WHEN?: Saturday 26 September (matinee), runs through 24 October 2026

Rylance (Juno And The Paycock, Gielgud Theatre) is definitely the draw here but this transformation of the Moliere classic to a Nigerian/Jamaican wedding more than makes up for the inexperience of its ensemble cast with an irresistible energy and lively comedy.

• Read on for reasons including a chance to see Rylance in an intimate setting in a riot of a comedy with a cultural twist and an energy you might not expect

The project is the brainchild of Rylance and Darren Raymond, artistic director of Intermission Youth and boasts a cast and creative team almost entirely made up of Intermission graduates.

This venue’s artistic director Alexander Gifford explains in the programme that it was Rylance, a long-time champion of Intermission, who suggested Raymond’s skill at ‘remixing’ Shakespeare could be brought to Moliere with the idea that switching the tale of a French priest among Catholics to an Anglican vicar swindling a black community would spark colonial echoes.

So Rylance dons ridiculous false teeth reminding of the late, great Dick Emery as he dad dances his way into the heart of the families with the comedy only dialled down when his character isn’t onstage.

We last saw Tartuffe in 2019 at the National Theatre when Denis O’Hare – our reason for being there – in the titular role slipped into the audience and thrilled mr monstagigz by shaking him by the hand and presenting him with a gift as the swindler set out his stall.

Rylance never makes his way into the audience but does drop his trousers at 1 point to appalled mother of the groom Elmire played by an astonished Nakeba Buchanan.

As a viewer it’s both distressing and annoying to watch on as father of the bride Oga, an infuriating Usifu Jalloh, continually misreads every situation in favour of the treacherous Tartuffe.

Christopher Mbaki as D-Miz is the highlight from the ensemble with Morenike Onajobi giving as good as she gets as the headstrong Kemi worthy of praise.

Marylebone Theatre is really upping its game with this West End-worthy production which offers a chance to see the genius of Rylance in a more intimate setting than you may perhaps be used to while also enjoying a riot of a comedy with a cultural twist and an energy you might not be expecting.

• Main pictures via Facebook courtesy Marylebone Theatre Tickets
• Have you seen Mark Rylance before and what did you think of him? Let us know what you thought in the comments below
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