The cast of Soulpepper’s What the Butler Saw undress for success on opening night
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Blair Williams, Nicole Underhay, Graham Harley. Photo by Sian Richards. |
What the Butler Saw premiered in 1969 at the Queen’s Theatre in London and is regarded as Joe Orton‘s best play (despite being poorly received at first). Orton’s witty dialogue and criticism of conventional society are reminiscent of the great Oscar Wilde. We can see why his views were controversial at the time — they still are today. Set in a psychiatric hospital, this bizarre, farcical caper is right up our alley. Who doesn’t enjoy a bit of controversy now and then?
[Kitty and Lulu talk in the ladies room after the performance. Lulu holds her shoes under the hand dryer — they were caught in a storm just before the show and sat through the entire thing in soaking wet clothes (now that's dedication!).]
Lulu: Arg! My feet are freezing! That sure was a “crazy” play, huh? I’d never seen it or read it before.
Kitty: It was pretty nuts alright! [Fixes her hair.] I guess that was the point.
Lulu: Yeah, I think it was a great production. Very amusing. The razor-sharp dialogue moves the plot along at a breakneck speed. If you blink you might miss something.
Kitty: Agreed! They definitely kept us on our toes. I think the set was really impressive. The granite columns give the impression of a grand and reputable “madhouse.” And the four doors set the scene for the comedy of errors that ensues.
Lulu: Yes, fantastic stage design. And the costumes are great, too. We don’t want to give too much away, but this play gets more and more absurd by the minute. It’s full of misunderstandings, impersonations and mistaken identities (not to mention double entendres, innuendo and euphemisms). The structure reminds me a bit of Fawlty Towers, with Dr. Prentice (Blair Williams) as a perverted Basil Fawlty.
Kitty: That’s true! I loved the chemistry between the doctor and his nymphomaniac wife (Brenda Robins). The way they chide each other tit for tat for their bad behaviour is hilarious. Robins is incredible in this role. She really commands your attention.
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Brenda Robins, Brandon McGibbon. Photo by Sian Richards. |
Lulu: Absolutely. I also think Graham Harley is terrific as the ludicrous Dr. Rance. His desperate attempts to diagnose everyone’s symptoms as “textbook” are hysterical. Although the play is a comedy, Orton’s satire judges the psychiatric profession quite severely. He really questions the moral integrity of those in power and blurs the line between sane and insane.
Kitty: Definitely. He makes buffoons of all the authorities, including the constable (Oliver Dennis). Wonderful slapstick. And I didn’t see that ending coming at all. It was quite a surprise!
Lulu: I know! I was rather shocked. Director Jim Warren should be proud. There isn’t anything negative to say about the production. Except maybe the fact that the accents were not always convincing or consistent. But what can you expect in Canada? My ear is sensitive because I just got back from England.
Kitty: Did you see any statues of Winston Churchill while you were there? [Winks.]
Lulu: I did actually! Those of you who are familiar with this play will get that reference. For those of you who aren’t, well, it’s probably time you go see it!
What The Butler Saw runs until September 18 at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts. Click here to buy tickets. Don’t forget, $22 tickets are available for 21-30 year-olds at stageplay.ca
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