Medicine Man

Director – Michael Amerstorfer and his team deftly managed this adaptation of Moliere’s La Malade Imaginaire. Lifting it out of 17th Century France to present today, Whitstable’s Tankerton in our recent past of June 2015. 

The evening confirmed that human nature has been a ‘constant’ with little regard for the passage of time… 

The excellent set that filled the whole, size-worthy stage was an initial surprise. However, every inch was needed for the 'comings and goings' of 5 days of family ‘developments’.  

Glyn Rogers playing Antler, the father and ‘Medicine Man’ of the title, truly invested in his central role as the hypochondriac. Resistant to change; hangdog expression - sloped shoulders - truly landed the image of stagnation and decline. Congratulations – a mammoth task – consistent and convincing. Lucie Nash as Claire was excellent in her role as Antler’s PA – conscientious and likeable. Possibly one of the only characters without a personal agenda. Susan Beer as Angela the graduate daughter was suitably frustrated with her father’s abiding interference in her love life. Gemma Conway - Belinda the second wife swept in and out confidently, clearly lacking affection for her hypochondriac husband. Amanda Hunt – Bertha, Antler’s sister, quickly established her character’s personality as genuine and worldly. Short and sweet.

Everyone of the remaining cast were adept in their roles, orbiting the central character Antler – most of whom aimed to benefit from maintaining his hypochondria. 

Congratulations to Director – Michael Amerstorfer and his team of Creatives. You gave us a well-acted, excellently realised evening’s entertainment.  

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.