December 6, 2006
What the Butler Saw opens with Dr. Prentice interviewing a young woman for the job of secretary. Dr. Prentice is a psychiatrist – a plain, middle-aged man, who will go on to be accused of sexual assault, murder, transvestism, incest, homosexuality, and of being as mad as the worst of his patients. The play was controversial when it was written in 1967, and is the last play Joe Orton wrote before his murder in the same year.
In the unravelling drama, Dr. Prentice must face up to the realities of his unhappy marriage, he must hide the secretary he is attempting to seduce, and by turns dodge or coerce a number of other characters, including his wife’s lover, a police inspector, and a superior psychiatrist who has been sent to check on him and his methods.
The outrageous and improbable situations the various characters find themselves in are usually linked with sexual infidelity, or being caught up in efforts to hide it. Added to this is blackmail, attempts to hide incriminating evidence, and various fast entrances and exits through the set’s four doors. Being a farce, the play relies more on exaggeration and unlikely mishaps rather than wit. Some of the play’s weaker points are typical of all farce, such as the annoying stock characters (the angry bureaucrat; the stereotypical policeman), and some obvious and predictable humour.
The strongest in the cast is Colin Burnie as Dr. Prentice, and there is a noticeable lull in quality during his absences. Nevertheless, each member is energetic and competent all the way to the play’s climax. Aside from the second act being a little over long, the play is entertaining and funny, and this production is performed with admirable gusto.
In the unravelling drama, Dr. Prentice must face up to the realities of his unhappy marriage, he must hide the secretary he is attempting to seduce, and by turns dodge or coerce a number of other characters, including his wife’s lover, a police inspector, and a superior psychiatrist who has been sent to check on him and his methods.
The outrageous and improbable situations the various characters find themselves in are usually linked with sexual infidelity, or being caught up in efforts to hide it. Added to this is blackmail, attempts to hide incriminating evidence, and various fast entrances and exits through the set’s four doors. Being a farce, the play relies more on exaggeration and unlikely mishaps rather than wit. Some of the play’s weaker points are typical of all farce, such as the annoying stock characters (the angry bureaucrat; the stereotypical policeman), and some obvious and predictable humour.
The strongest in the cast is Colin Burnie as Dr. Prentice, and there is a noticeable lull in quality during his absences. Nevertheless, each member is energetic and competent all the way to the play’s climax. Aside from the second act being a little over long, the play is entertaining and funny, and this production is performed with admirable gusto.