Trinity Term provides the civilised citizens of Oxford with a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a range of fine plays, performed in a variety of college quads and gardens. If you haven't availed yourself yet of this pleasure - or are eager for more open-air dramatic delights - then Molière's elegant comic romp, The Miser, is perfect fare for a balmy evening, and Worcester college's lovely grounds are an unbeatable setting.

The 17th Century playwright, Molière, is a towering figure in the history of French theatre. His mastery of the art of comedy, and gleeful lampooning of humanity's foibles and vanities, are all evident in this tale of youthful exuberance and love triumphing over crusty old age and avarice.

To summarise the plot: old Harpagon loves nothing more than his money, but he has also taken a fancy to young Marianne, whom he wishes to marry. Mariannes love Herpagon's son, Cléante, who returns her affections. Herpagon's daughter and Valère, a nobleman disguised as a valet, are also smitten, but Herpagon suspects Valère has designs on his beloved cashbox. Eventually, all is resolved in a final scene full of unexpected revelations.

The cast are beautifully decked out in period costume, greatly enhancing the charm of the evening. Pete Cashman as the eponymous miser gives a fine comic performance, and I enjoyed Rich Craddock as the somewhat foppish Cléante. But the cast were all very good (even those playing the more minor parts - Ian Runacres and Soumya Sowani give excellent interpretations of Cléante's servant and the Magistrate respectively.)

First performed in 1688, this play is still funny and wise, and despite some slightly complicated business about money lending it is thoroughly accessible to a modern audience. As with any outdoor show, you should probably check the weather forecast first, but only a torrential downpour could dampen such a witty, uplifting work.

George Tew 2/6/05