Habeas Corpus

Habeas Corpus a play staged and performed by Rainhill Garrick Society at Rainhill Village Hall, Danes Court, Rainhill on the 12th February, 2026

Habeas Corpus is a two act play penned by English author Alan Bennett. The term ‘Habeas Corpus’ refers to a legal procedure invoking the jurisdiction of a court to review the unlawful detention or imprisonment of an individual and request the individual's custodian to bring the prisoner to court, to determine whether their detention is lawful.  This play was first performed in London at the Lyric Theatre and ran from the 10th May 1973 to August 1974 with Alex Guiness as the central figure.  It transferred to Broadway, but didn’t have the same impact and ran for less than three months. Revived several times, the action revolves around the (generally) thwarted libidos of the principal characters.

I have to confess I generally prefer other types of theatre to farce however, Habeas Corpus, whilst on the surface has elements of the dated seaside postcard; below has poignant elements and depth. The human condition stripped back to basics.  Director Lynn Aconley managed to bring this production to life in a way that defied its age, captivating the audience from the opening curtain. Cleverly cast, Lynn put together a group of actors who not only had to leave any inhibitions at the stage door but who, without exception wholeheartedly embraced their characters. Even as caricatures you could not help but care about them. 

The Cast...  
Gerald Walker took on the role of ‘Arthur Wicksteed’;  Jo Webster playing ‘Muriel Wicksteed’; Conor Morris playing ‘Dennis Wicksteed’
Pamela Foster playing ‘Constance Wicksteed’; Linda Saavedra playing ‘Mrs Amelia Swabb’; Peter Cliffe portraying ‘Canon Harold Throbbing’:
Noah Brogan playing ‘Felicity Rumpers’: Alison Mawdsley playing ‘Lady Delia Rumpers’; Richard Parker playing ‘Mr Maurice Shanks’;
Rick Young playing ‘Sir Percy Shorter’; Tom Nevitt playing ‘Mr Purdue’

When every actor genuinely lived their part, it is difficult to evaluate a standout performance, but special mention must be given to Linda Saavedra as Mrs Amelia Swabb and Peter Cliffe whose comedic movements, expressions and impeccable comic timing,
a joy to watch as Canon Throbbing. 

Set Design by Parker and Webster Imaginative and appropriate. I particularly liked the cut-out seagulls perfectly capturing the plays seaside postcard tones. An actor has to embrace the costume they are wearing, to feel yes this is me, my characters personality. Often underrated in Amateur Theatre. 

This production looked like every character was appropriately dressed. 
Period and Personality impeccable... credit to Barbara Dahill.

Set changes, lighting and sound despite being a first night, seamless. 

Stage Manager - Graham Swift

Prompt - Betty Swift and Gordon O’Brien

Props - Edi Tinsley and Dave Asbridge

Sound - Tracey and John Duffy

Set Design - Parker and Webster Theatrical Designs

Set Dressing - Jo Webster & the Theatrical Emporium

Set Construction - Garrick Team

Thank you for inviting me.

David Davies 
N.O.D.A 
Assistant District Rep
District 6.

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