Review of What The Butler Saw

"Comic fantasies of psychiatric diagnosis!" by Jill Lawrie for remotegoat on 21/11/09

This is the final production from Bench Theatre's 40th anniversary year, in which they have produced a selection of pieces depicting each decade. 'What the Butler Saw' was written by Joe Orton in 1969, the year this theatre company was formed, and at the time this anarchic farce both shocked and appalled with its sexual references and lack of respect for morality and authority. Over time this has now become a contemporary classic.

The plot is set in a mad house, a private psychiatric clinic run by the lustful Dr Prentice, interviewing an incredibly naïve Geraldine Barclay for the position of secretary. Asking her to strip naked and lie on the couch, his attempted seduction is thwarted by the appearance of his nymphomaniac wife, who is being blackmailed by the hotel bellboy producing photos of their entanglement the previous night! Add to this the surprise investigation from a Government Inspector a crackpot psychiatrist Dr Rance and you have a recipe for farcical madness ~ absurd lines, mistaken identities, cross-dressing, door slamming, dropped trousers….!

Due to Peter Corrigan's sudden admission to hospital, Director Mark Wakeman at the last minute had to step into his shoes and play the part of Dr Prentice, and what an incredible job he did too. A superb performance and barely evident that he carried his script. His performance brilliantly illustrated the doctor's improbable dilemmas of incrimination and mistaken identity. Mention too for a relative newcomer to the company Sarah Parnell (Mrs Prentice) who was outstanding with her amusing air of aloof superiority in the face of such insanity alongside her seductive charms. Peter Woodward (Dr Rance) took on the challenging role of this virtually certifiable character!

All in all an extremely entertaining performance where "the sane appear as strange to the mad as the mad to the sane"!

Event Venues & Times
finished	The Spring Arts and Heritage Centre | 56 East Street, Havant, Hampshire, PO9 1BS

Add your review? Have your say, add your review

		The Celtic Footprint by Jill Lawrie
		The 39 Steps by Jill Lawrie
		Calendar Girls by Jill Lawrie
		The Snow Queen by Jill Lawrie
		Ten Times Table by Jill Lawrie
		The Grass is Greener by Jill Lawrie
		Mrs Warren's Profession by Jill Lawrie
		Absurd Person Singular by Jill Lawrie
		Pride and Prejudice by Jill Lawrie
		The Merry Widow by Jill Lawrie
		Entertaining Angels by Jill Lawrie
		The Winter's Tale by Jill Lawrie
		Our Man in Havana by Jill Lawrie
		I Found My Horn by Jill Lawrie
		The Pirates of Penzance by Jill Lawrie
		Fatal Encounter by Jill Lawrie
		Murder On Air by Jill Lawrie
		Rain Man by Jill Lawrie
		Popcorn by Jill Lawrie
		A Higher Education by Jill Lawrie