long awaited return

Simon Callow directs a starry host of characters in this revival of Christopher Hampton's bourgeois comedy response to Moliere's Misanthrope. First shown at the Royal Court in 1970, this witty play centers on the hapless Phillip, an academic with a compulsive need to please everyone he comes into contact with. In a change from previous productions, that would usually cast older actors in the roles in the misplaced belief that younger people couldn't possibly handle sharp comedy, Callow's cast is led by The Inbetweeners' Simon Bird, Fresh Meat's Charlotte Richie and includes a West End debut from real life philanthropist and model Lily Cole.

Set in a unnamed English University Town, The Philanthropist follow's Phillip's attempts to navigate society, academia, friendships and romance without even being able to tell even a little white lie to protect himself. Surrounding him are his malicious yet beautiful fiancee Celia (Ritchie) and best friend Donald (Tom Rosenthal). When a dinner party invites an rambunctious writer (Matt Berry) and a nubile femme fatale Araminta (Cole) into this sphere, Phillips attempts at mediation are met with catastrophic results. Or are they? Because the cosy bubble of academia would be the perfect place to hide whilst the world outside is crumbling into chaos wouldn't it?

Decidedly clever with shades of Stoppard and of course referencing Moliere, the Philanthropist is a highly entertaining play that aims to please both regular and first time theatre goers.