“The greatest scoundrel that ever walked on earth”

 COMPANY b Theatre are thrilled to be bringing their version of Moliere’s comedy ‘Don Juan’ to Barbican Theatre’s intimate stage on Wednesday 17 and Thursday 18 July 2019.

Don Juan is young, rich and carefree.  Making his way from town to town leaving broken hearts and broken engagements left, right and centre. And getting away with it.

Bored by his latest conquest he arrives back in his home town with his reluctant personal assistant Sganaerelle in tow. But how long can he outrun the consequences of his own selfish behaviour? As exes, wronged women, nuns, vengeful brothers, disappointed family members, charity workers and even the spectre of the man he killed close in, will he take a last chance at salvation?

Moliere’s original was banned after fifteen performances (in 1665!) due to the scandal it caused, with critics calling is offensive to religion and glorifying a libertine. Instead of trying to show the danger of “free-thinking” the critics saw it as a mockery.

Don Juan is directed by Jon Nash, who says

“We’ve remixed Moliere’s original French comedy for the present day of celebrity scandal and an individualistic culture.  Don Juan is a man of great privilege. He has no respect for the women he pursues and seduces, and no fear of consequences. The central question of the play is how long we can get away with bad behaviour.

COMPANY b have spent the year developing the art of clowning, comedy and satire, so Moliere’s comedy enables the actors to really apply this in their final, full performance”

COMPANY b Theatre’s street performance of Down With Clowns as part of Plymouth Fringe Festival (photo credit Gemma Ward Photography)

COMPANY b Theatre’s performance of Don Juan ends a year of their studying clowning, comedy and satire. They recently performed as part of Plymouth Fringe Festival, developing their Down With Clowns piece as a lively, dynamic street performance performed outside Plymouth University, Plymouth Guildhall and Theatre Royal Plymouth. Described by audiences as “Absolutely brilliant performances and performers” and “Awesome”, COMPANY b are now looking forward to performing this new full length show on the Barbican stage.

Manny Pearce, who plays the eponymous scoundrel says

“We get to be quite playful with our interpretation of Don Juan, and how his outrageous hedonistic outlook on life translates to the 21st century. It’s a lot of fun to indulge in that mindset, because this character is ultimately living a life devoid of morality. We hope that even though we play it up for laughs, there’s an underlying message to be gleaned when it all starts catching up on him, and the cracks start to show in his persona.”

COMPANY b Theatre’s Don Juan is performed at Barbican Theatre on Wednesday 17 and Thursday 18 July at 7:30pm. Tickets are £8 full and £6 concessions and can be booked at here or by calling 01752 267131

Auditions for the next intake of COMPANY b Theatre members (ages 16 – 25) will take place in on 25 September and 2 October. Sign up by emailing btpt@barbicantheatre.co.uk and read more about plans for the 2019-20 year here