Jessica Ransom appears in The Hypochondriac, Roger McGough’s celebrated adaptation of Molière’s witty satire. The production is at Sheffield Crucible Saturday 30 September – Saturday 21 October 2023.
Jessica Ransom returns to Sheffield Theatres after her recent appearance in the UK Tour of Home, I’m Darling at Sheffield’s Lyceum Theatre. Having grown up in Sheffield, she was also part of the Crucible’s Youth Theatre and performed on the Crucible stage as part of the Sheffield Children’s Festival with High Storrs School. All other members of the cast make their Sheffield Theatres debut with The Hypochondriac.
Tickets for The Hypochondriac are on sale now. Tickets can be booked through the Box Office in person, over the phone on 0114 249 6000 or at sheffieldtheatres.co.uk.
You’re starring in The Hypochondriac at Sheffield’s Crucible, what can you tell us about the play?
It’s a story of a man (Argan) trapped in a very opulent prison of his own making by his health anxieties. It’s funny and silly and incredibly rich on the eyes (Colin Richmond’s design is amazing) and the ears (Ollie Birch has composed brilliant music for the show).
What was it about Roger McGough’s adaptation of the Molière satire that made you so keen to be part of the production?
It’s written in verse which is always a fun challenge as an actor and Roger’s poetic style and humour really sing out through the adaptation. I spot new jokes in it every time I hear it.
How does it feel for you to be returning to Sheffield with this production?
I’m so delighted to be here! It’s my hometown so I can stay with my parents which is great and I’ve wanted to work at the Crucible for as long as I’ve been an actor. I’ve worked in the studio and Lyceum at Sheffield theatres and now I’ve completed the set. I watched so many brilliant productions on that stage growing up so it’s a real dream come true. We even did our school plays on the Crucible stage and now I get to work here.
Tell us a little about your character, what are you loving most about the role?
I play Béline, Argan’s second wife, who basically lives in the hope of him dying so she can get all his money. She’s a real piece of work. I’ve never really played an out and out baddie before so I’m having a lot of fun.
And what do you think will be the biggest challenge?
At the moment I’m just looking forward so much to getting the show in front of an audience. Sarah Tipple (our director) has created such a great working environment where we all feel free to try out ideas. I feel like we’re at the point now where it needs an audience to find out where the laughs are… and then the challenge will be maintaining them!
What would you say to anyone thinking of booking The Hypochondriac?
Book. It’s a full-scale 17th Century, big show that will make you laugh with some absolutely cracking songs and the rest of the cast are outstanding. Edward Hogg who plays Argan is worth the ticket price alone.
The Hypochondriac is at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield from 30 September – 21 October, www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk
