Habeas Corpus

Habeas Corpus is a very funny comedy written by author Alan Bennett. Set in Brighton and Hove, the play centres on the Wicksteed family. As we meet all the characters and the action begins unfortunately identities are mistaken and the result is lost trousers and confusion reigns.

The brilliant set made full use of the stage. The audience were kept up to date with the fast-moving plot by the nosey Mrs Swabb, the cleaning lady played by the brilliantly funny Amy Tregellis (Who reminded me of Mrs. Overall) who talked aside to the audience throughout the play. Central to the action are local General Practitioner Dr Arthur Wicksteed and his wife, Arthur superbly played by Clive Barlow has a weakness for lusting after his young female patients and Clair Tregellis excelled in the role of his wife Muriel Wicksteed with spot on comic timing. Muriel still holds a candle for her old flame Sir Percy Shorter, Chairman of the BMA. well-played by Derek Willis whose character is frustrated as his attempts to expose Dr Wicksteed's misdeeds are thwarted at the last moment.  Arthur Wicksteed is presently trying unsuccessfully to pursue a relationship with Felicity Rumpers played by Eloise Tanley, who was very well complemented by Taylor Johns as Dennis the doctor’s hypochondriac son, who thinks he is dying, which fits wonderfully into Felicity’s plans. However, trying to thwart those plans is Felicity's protective mother Lady Rumpers played with haughty snobbishness by Carol Joy, a role which suited Carol well and was a joy to watch. Becky Lucas-Smith produced a spot on characterisation as Arthur’s flat-chested dowdy spinster sister Constance Wicksteed, Connie is engaged to Canon Throbbing and was played by Matt Round.  Connie tries to remedy her problem and put some adventure into her life by ordering a pair of ‘falsies’ from a magazine, but when John Richardson as a very funny Mr Shanks the sales representative arrives at Wicksteed's home to follow up on Connie’s purchase he makes a big mistake with the result that mix ups, mistaken identities and mayhem ensues. I must mention a wonderfully funny cameo performance from Richard Johnson who played Horace Purdue a patient of Dr Wicksteed’s who was trying hard to attract everyone’s attention by threatening to commit suicide. Unfortunately, he was ignored by the other characters who were all concerned with their own problems.

As I said, the set made full use of the space available and costumes were just right.

Anne Troman did a great job on this piece of comedy and she, and all the cast must be pleased with the outcome,

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