THE HYPOCHONDRIAC, Octagon Theatre, Bolton (until Saturday, February 22)

WITH this radical interpretation of Moliere's classic farce, you can hardly accuse The Octagon of taking the easy option.

From the heavily stylised set and costumes, to the vibrant new translation by Ranjit Bolt you'll soon forget that the play is well over 300 years old. The Hypochondriac centres on one man's obsession with ill health and the unscrupulous doctors happy to pander to his whims to line their own pockets.

In the title role, Michael Mears is excellent as the pill-popping Argan, a man who revels in illness. And there's a strong supporting cast add to the challenging nature of the comedy. It's a strident production which often lurches into the surreal, with touches of Monty Python and Allo Allo thrown in for good measure. By taking risks with the production, not everything comes off. Was it really necessary, for instance, for Rob Parry to play Argan's servant as though he were John Inman in Are You Being Served? I think not. Don't get me wrong, this is a commendable production with some hilarious moments. For example, Vincent Penfold as the unsuitable suitor Thomas Diaforus.

But this is no laugh a minute, 'Whoops missus where's me trousers?' type farce. Instead, it is a challenging piece of theatre.

As the couple sat behind me were overheard to say at the end 'It wasn't what I expected but it was certainly interesting.'Until Saturday, February 22. Details from the box office on 01204 520661.

JA