Following a successful run at the Prague Fringe, the show returns on Saturday 5 December 2026 in a newly expanded version, with new characters, new stories and a generous dose of Italian theatrical flair.

Set in Molière’s dressing room on the final night of his life, The Last Laugh takes audiences behind the curtain and into the extraordinary world of one of France’s greatest comic playwrights — a man whose life was filled with laughter, scandal, ambition and danger.

Drawing on the physical comedy and theatrical traditions that inspired Molière himself, Duffy-McGhie brings his story vividly to life through storytelling, masks, character, movement and direct audience interaction.

The expanded show introduces Molière’s encounter with the legendary Italian comic actor Tiberio Fiorilli — better known as Scaramouche — opening the door to the anarchic world of Commedia dell’arte, where masks, movement and improvisation ruled the stage.

That physicality also carries into the show’s use of grammelot — a wonderfully anarchic comic language of sounds, gestures and rhythms.

“The new scenes give me permission to be much more physical. Instead of simply telling the audience about Commedia, we actually enter that world.” — Gordon Duffy-McGhie

The intimacy of Whorlton Village Hall is central to the experience. Molière speaks directly to the people in front of him, drawing the audience into his memories, his triumphs and his battles with critics, the Church and the powerful figures of Louis XIV’s court.

“Molière talks directly to the people in front of him. At Whorlton, the audience become part of the evening and feel the danger of making fun of those in authority.” — Gordon Duffy-McGhie

The show has already won admirers closer to home:

“I was blown away by the show when I saw it last spring. Gordon’s performance was mesmerising, and I’m really looking forward to seeing what the new version has in store. Encore!” — Mary Stastny, Whorlton Village Hall

Expect laughter, masks, mischief and more than a little theatrical chaos as Molière’s final night becomes a lively, intimate and occasionally dangerous encounter with the man behind the legend.

Molière: The Last Laugh
Whorlton Village Hall
Saturday 5 December 2026 | 7.30pm

Tickets available via TicketSource. Advance booking recommended.