Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime

On entering the auditorium at the Phoenix Theatre, you have time to appreciate the set before the actors grab your attention. With the open stage on the flat in front of the raised seating, everyone has the opportunity to see just how much detail is given to each production and Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime was no exception. The props were absolutely of the period, even down to the stick telephone that was used in Act 2. The pictures on the wall, the silver items, the fire place and mantle with ornaments and the furniture were all in keeping too. Amanda Smith was responsible for the props as well as directing the play and did a great job. I love the way that the double doors upstage open onto what appears to be a hall with another portrait hanging on the wall to give an impression of depth. The set construction team always provide such an amazing set that you are immediately transported back to the chosen period.

As for the drama, well that was exactly what it was. It was a typical Oscar Wilde story of confusion, intrigue and comedy, mocking the aristocracy and somehow their vanity too. Constance Cox had adapted this brilliantly into the play which was a delight to watch. The notion that Lord Arthur could ‘bump’ off a family member was ludicrous but it was portrayed in a way that made it all seem quite natural…

The cast were chosen well. Robin Haig, as Sir Arthur, came across as an eccentric, rather vague aristo who had great enthusiasm for his upcoming nuptials to Sybil. It was very funny when he was referred to as a young man and gave an ironic smile to the audience who had broken into a unanimous chortle. Age aside, this was a very credible performance and the period seemed to suit Robin well. Baines, Lord Arthur’s manservant was played by Brian Jackson who looked and acted the part extremely well. His deference to his Lordship was evident throughout with the exception of when he felt he should have the 1st class ribbon for anarchy, for his suggestion on how to dispose of the aunt. Brian remained in character throughout and was very convincing.

Diana Tubb and Jane Bovell, playing the Lady’s Beauchamp and Windermere, were wonderful as the aunts and came across as genuinely maternal but with a touch of eccentricity, in true Wilde style. Alison Clarke as Sybil the fiancé, gave a strong performance as the determined young thing who couldn’t wait to be married. Her domineering mother Lady Julia Merton was brilliantly played by Suzanne Hill whose facial expressions and body language spoke volumes. Her cutting ‘one liner’s’ were hilarious and they were delivered in such an autocratic way that she was totally believable.

Tim Betts as the forgetful Dean of Paddington gave a solid performance as did David Pollard as the thoroughly unlikeable Mr Podgers, who we knew was a wrong ‘un from the very beginning. Alan Chacon was very funny as the anarchist Herr Winkelkopf and I loved his creeping escapades. Penny Field complimented the ensemble with her performance as Nellie the maid, giving just the right amount of subservience and flirtatiousness to be noticed without overplaying the role, very well done.

I often compliment the costumes in the productions that I am privileged to see, but on this occasion they were almost the star of the show. The gentlemen’s attire was exactly right for the period and it was impressive that Lord Arthur could make a complete costume change in a relatively short space of time. However, the ladies gowns took my breath away: they were stunning. Each lady had at least three costume changes and with each new gown, they had matching hats, gloves and bags which were in the most beautiful colour, fabric and style. These were made in house by Lynn Tait, Marjorie Stephenson, Jennifer Wood and Ella Dean who should all take a bow, as they truly deserve a huge round of applause.

Another fabulous production from Phoenix, which I enjoyed enormously, Thank you.

 

 

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