A masterclass in comic writing, Joe Orton’s final and most ambitious play, What The Butler Saw, takes to the New Vic stage from Tuesday 2 – Saturday 6 July as part of London Classic Theatre’s UK tour.
A manic farce where no institution, political view or tradition is safe, Orton’s What The Butler Saw explores comic territory few playwrights have dared to visit. Brought to life by London Classic Theatre’s Artistic Director Michael Cabot (Faith Healer, Abigail’s Party, Boeing Boeing), the cast of distinctive characters in this riotous black comedy are thrown together in a series of increasingly improbable events.
Within his private psychiatric clinic, Doctor Prentice is interviewing a new secretary. Geraldine wants the position but seems underqualified and uncertain about her parentage. Mrs Prentice appears, flushed and in urgent need of a drink, following an illicit encounter at the Station Hotel. In the meantime, Doctor Rance, a Government Inspector and Sergeant Match, a policeman, arrive amidst increasing chaos with searching questions of their own.
Creating the characters of the play are Alex Cardall (The Box of Delights, RSC; Winnie The Pooh: A New Musical Stage Adaption, Riverside Studios, UK tour) as Nicholas Beckett; John Dorney (Boeing Boeing, Absurd Person Singular, LCT; Coalition, Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Pleasance Theatre) as Doctor Prentice; Alana Jackson (Medea, National Theatre of Scotland, Edinburgh Festival Fringe; Interiors, Barbican Theatre) as Geraldine Barclay; Jack Lord (A Christmas Carol, Oliver Twist, Leeds Playhouse; Kiss Me Quickstep, New Vic, Salisbury Playhouse, Oldham Coliseum) as Doctor Rance; Jon-Paul Rowden (The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Churchill Theatre, Bromley; Crimes on the Coast, Theatre Royal, Bath) as Sergeant Match; Holly Smith (The Great Gatsby, Theatre Royal, Windsor; The Mirror Crack’d, Shadowlands, Flare Path, Blithe Spirit, Out of Order, UK tour) as Mrs Prentice.
Artistic Director of London Classic Theatre, Michael Cabotsaid: “I’m delighted to be directing What The Butler Saw. I’ve always been a massive admirer of Joe Orton’s work and this play in particular. It’s undeniably a ground-breaking, challenging piece. Orton was firmly into his stride as a playwright and determined to push boundaries. Primarily, it’s a brilliantly constructed farce, but it also explores territory that allows Orton’s wicked sense of humour free reign. No one is safe! The play was first performed at the end of the 1960s, causing something of an outcry, so it will be fascinating to see what audiences make of it in 2024.”
What The Butler Saw takes to the stage at the New Vic from Tuesday 2 to Saturday 6 July 2024. Tickets are on sale now, priced from £10.00. For more information and to book call the Box Office on 01782 717962 or visit newvictheatre.org.uk.