Photo courtesy of Sheila Burnett
Joe Orton’s classic farce is London Classic Theatre’s latest production at New Vic. Written in 1967 a month before Orton’s death, it first premiered in London in 1969.
The two act play tells the story of Dr. Prentice, a psychologist trying his best to seduce a prospective secretary, meanwhile Dr. Prentice’s wife in turn has been seduced by Nicholas Beckett who is blackmailing her into making him Prentice’s secretary. Add to this Dr. Rance, sent by the government to inspect the clinic and the scene is set for high farce, quick witted and fast paced dialogue and much hilarity.
The play takes place inside the office of Prentice and John Dorney plays the sleazy psychiatric really well. The character development is fantastic, watching him getting slowly tangled in his own web of lies and trying desperately to orchestrate events to cover up his intended infidelity whilst getting increasingly stressed. His wife, herself no stranger to a tryst, is played by Holly Smith with aplomb, getting caught up in the farcical events, some caused by Mrs. Prentice unintentionally and being inadvertently influenced by the increasingly irrational Dr. Rance with the situation getting increasingly out of hand.
Dr. Rance adds more chaos and delivered by Jack Lord. His constant misdiagnosis, air of self importance and his more nonsensical behaviour as the plot progressed were wonderfully captured with long medical-jargon filled monologues.
Rosanna Miles is prospective secretary Geraldine Barclay and did wonderfully. Stepping into the role at extremely short notice, it was a testament to her ability and professionalism how well she took it all in her stride. The prop script was used in an amusing fashion and to be a part of intricately choreographed and blocked-out farce without any audience member noticing that she was a mere days into the role was amazing.
Same can be said of Paul Sandys who was drafted in late to play Sergeant Match, who is an innocent party getting caught up in the chaos who was fantastic as the naive policeman and provided some laugh out loud moments.
Alex Cardall completes the six-hander as the bellboy, Nicholas Beckett, who took the performance in his stride and worked the stage really well.
The production is advised for ages 14+ due to language and partial nudity. Some of the dialogue at times does fall foul of modern society’s sensibilities, however, you must remember the era that this was written in and Orton has always pushed the boundaries in his writing. There are themes and subject matter which still hold firm today and surprising how relevant some of the commentary is today.
It’s a classic farce which has witty dialogue, raucous chaos and a frenetic pace. The cast were high energy and delivered entertainment it large quantities.
The production is on until Saturday 6th July. More details and tickets can be found here: https://www.newvictheatre.org.uk/productions/what-the-butler-saw/
