News feed

Review

What The Butler Saw, Bournemouth Little Theatre Club, Jameson Road, Winton

IF this play is any indication of the mind state of playwright Joe Orton, the fact that he was battered to death by his male lover hardly seems surprising.

Set in a psychoanalyst’s private clinic, it is farce gone mad. There is much undressing, cross-dressing and rushing through doors, but what takes it to a different level is that Orton’s obvious subversiveness pervades his entire script, witty though it is, and brings a disturbing edge to the humour that makes for slightly uncomfortable watching.

The subject matter is somewhat unusual too, covering - among other things - rape, incest, homosexuality and nymphomania. Yet for all that this is a hugely enjoyable production, stylishly directed by Jack Snell and with strong, larger-than-life and well-timed performances from his excellent cast – Don Gent (Dr Prentice), Kathryn Oscier (Geraldine Barclay), Veronica Ryder (Mrs Prentice), James Collins (Nicholas Beckett), Noel Davenport (Sergeant Match) and, almost stealing the show, Andrew Whyatt as Dr Rance, a government psychiatrist who is clearly as barking mad as the inmates of the clinic he has arrived to check up on.

As always with the club, the set and props are first-rate too, adding that all-important sense of realism. 

Linda Kirkman
 

return to review index