HELSTON Theatre Company has been forced to find a new venue for its summer production due to the ongoing building works at the company's usual home, the Epworth Hall.

As a result, cast and crew are relocating to Helston Community College's south site for their production of The Hypochondriac - a modern day comedy by Moliere - which will be staged tonight (Wednesday), tomorrow and Friday, August 19-21, at 7.30pm.

The play is a modern translation of Moliere's 1673 comedy, which has been given a complete makeover with the action taking place in the modern day. Argan’s life revolves around his belief that he is ill and requires constant medical attention. His doctors are happy to indulge this belief and concoct a wide range of remedies and very heavy bills.

His scheming second wife plots to inherit his fortune whilst counter plots within the medical mayhem of Argan’s home are constructed by his love struck daughter, dismissive sister and a house keeper who is the perfect tonic.

The cast of 12 characters, aged from 15 to 70 or more years, blast their way through a barrage of laxatives, enemas and dubious treatments at break neck speed in pursuit of their own well-being.

HTC's Stephanie Rosewarne said: "We are proud as a company that we still have such a range of ages who want to be cast in our shows. We have won many awards for our shows in the last few years and we are really progressing as a company. Our last production was the Cornish premiere of Sunset Boulevard."

Tickets are on sale now from CRBO.co.uk or Gillian's Larder in Helston.

Cast:

Argan, Jim Downie; Beline, Elaine Downie; Angelique, Eloise Roseby; Louison, Charlotte Laity; Beraldine, Avril Plunkett; Cleante, John England; Toinette, Angela Wetherill; Dr Lillicrap, Johnny Farah Church; Thomas Lillicrap, Chris Matthews; Dr Purgeon/Mr Goodfellow, Tim Gerrish and Ms Florid, Marilyn Eaton.