Habeas Corpus

The name of Alan Bennett is synonymous with the drama scene, and although Habeas Corpus is so well-known as a play, this was my first time of seeing it performed.

A typical farce, with simultaneous entrances and exits making the play flow is a major factor with this genre of play, and I knew that Lichfield Players would not fail in this department.

It is a comedy set in Brighton in the 1970s where the lust and longing of the permissive society has well and truly taken hold of the apparently respectable Wicksteed family. The aging Dr. Arthur Wicksteed pursues his nubile patient, Felicity Rumpers.

Dr Wicksteed, played by Ian Davies, comes across as an upright member of the community but deep down that is not actually the case and Ian portrayed this with aplomb. Carol Talbot, as his wife Muriel, also showed a confidence depicting her ‘prim and proper side’ as well as the flighty side to her character. Their son Dennis Wicksteed was a nervy character verging on hypochondria, well performed by debutant for Lichfield Players, Callum Griffiths. The family was completed by Sarah Stanley who played Constance Wicksteed, Sarah is a seasoned performer and was equally at home playing the timid character of Constance, until she received her new apparatus to give her a lift! Another new face for the Players was Grace Moody who played the love interest for any of the male cast. Grace showed confidence on stage and I’m sure we will see more of her in future performances. The comedy element in the show definitely came from Mrs Swabb, played by Sue Barker. Sue was the busybody who knew everything, and her timing was spot on with her interjections with the cast and audience alike.  Rosemary Bodger as Lady Rumpers, made the most of her cameo appearances,

displaying all of her experience on stage. Simon Smith was also making his debut as Mr Shanks, who had the job of making sure that the ‘padded bra’ was a perfect fit – what a great way to start! John Westoby (Sir Percy Shorter) was another actor making his debut and Andrew Brennan as Canon Throbbing also returned to the stage following a lengthy absence. The cast was completed by Andrew Bodger, the manic-depressive intent on taking his own life….or was he?

The scenery was reminiscent of a seaside postcard, with brightly coloured beach huts used as entrances, so simple but effective. The cast delivered their lines well and hearing is never a problem in the Studio. As I said, their entrances were reminiscent of a farce but there were odd occasions when I wanted a little more action/movement on stage. Having said that, it is a funny script and all of us in the audience had a very entertaining evening. It is a real bonus for any society who can call upon multiple people to direct a production, and Lichfield Players are well blessed in this department with Charlie Barker at the helm on this occasion.

Congratulations once again.

 

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