Review: WHAT THE BUTLER SAW, Theatre Royal Windsor - Tour
Photo credit: Sheila Burnett
London Classic Theatre pride themselves on touring classic and modern classic plays, and their current production of What The Butler Saw falls perfectly within this repertoire. First performed in 1969, Joe Orton’s dark farce has entertained audiences for five decades.
The play takes place inside the office of Doctor Prentice (John Dorney), a sleazy psychiatric professional who is trying to seduce his newest potential recruit, Geraldine Barclay (Alana Jackson). When almost caught in flagrante by his wife Mrs Prentice (Holly Smith), Prentice weaves himself into a web of lies so intricate that it takes gunshots and a full venue lockdown to untangle the mess!
The cast of six handle the complex plot with aplomb, and there are a few laugh out loud moments littered through the piece. Jack Lord plays Doctor Rance, a chaotic and slightly psychotic superior to Prentice. It is some of Rance’s monologues which are the most intricate and difficult of the script, and Lord delivers these barely sensical ramblings without missing a beat. The cast is completed by Alex Cardall who plays Nicholas Beckett, a conniving bellboy from the local hotel who is blackmailing Mrs Prentice, and Jon-Paul Rowden who portrays a bemused police Sergeant sent to investigate the ever-growing list of misdeeds that are unfolding in the psychiatric hospital.
As the plot becomes even more ridiculous during Act Two, the energy of the piece does seem to dip slightly, which is unexpected as the two-ing and fro-ing of the characters within the space should make the later scenes feel much snappier. However, the comical reveals in the closing scene end the piece on an amusing high note.
Orton’s script is a little jarring for modern sensibilities in places, but the nature of his writing means that some of his observations do still feel surprisingly relevant. Michael Cabot’s considered direction and Hector Murray’s gentle lighting design make the production feel as naturalistic as can be expected of a farce, however the set is as confusing as the storyline of the play! Designer Bek Palmer has intentionally interwoven several styles, mixed sharp lines with soft curves and graceful arches, and suspended a Monty Python-esque giant hand of god above the scenery. While the design choices do mirror the hectic nature of the play, they detract from the more usual elements of the traditional farce, which seem to be so much a part of what London Classic Theatre aim to achieve.
What the Butler Saw is a pleasant evening’s entertainment for fans of Joe Orton’s work, and the genre of farce, but the pace and juxtaposing creative choices leave the piece feeling a little lacklustre.
** Two stars
Reviewed by: Sarah Brown
What the Butler Saw tours until 27 July, with a full list of dates and further info here.