What The Butler Saw (Press, 2 February 1973)
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Summary: What The Butler Saw (Press, 2 February 1973)
The Court Theatre in Christchurch staged the farce “What the Butler Saw” by Joe Orton, directed by Yvette Bromley, from February 1 to February 17, 1973. This production opened to a full house, indicating a positive reception among local audiences for Orton's provocative style of comedy. Unlike typical reactions to his premieres in England, there were no walkouts, highlighting the audience's enjoyment of the risqué humour. Orton, who passed away in 1967, is recognised as a leading writer of farce, with a talent for witty dialogue reminiscent of Oscar Wilde. In this play, he combines absurdist elements with traditional farcical conventions, wrapping it in a layer of provocative content that invites the audience to engage playfully with the material. The storyline features a mix of eccentric characters, including a deranged psychiatrist, his nymphomaniac wife, a hotel page with dubious credentials, and a searching policeman. Their interactions are chaotic, involving elements such as nudity, gunplay, and whisky-drinking, ultimately culminating in a bizarre celebration of discoveries that challenge societal norms. The performance highlighted notable talent, particularly David Wells, who gave an excellent portrayal of the psychiatrist, showcasing a strong command of the comedic elements. Patsy Baldwin showed potential, particularly improving in the second act after a shaky start. The ensemble cast, including Nicholas Blake, Vivienne Riddle, Robert Le Fevre, and Jim Facer, delivered strong performances, with Facer receiving special commendation for his maturity in a more grounded role. While the production took some liberties with the script that were not always clear, it managed to navigate the material intelligently. The ending, however, was noted as being abrupt, potentially resulting from adjustments made to the script. Overall, the adaptation was successful in capturing Orton’s essence, demonstrating both the strengths and challenges of staging his unique style of comedy.
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