Lord Arthur Savile's Crime

This dark comedy is based on a short story by Oscar Wilde, first published in 1887, and was adapted for the stage by Constance Cox. As Directors Ali Broughton and Ann Leake say in their programme notes, they loved this adaptation because it retains so much of Wilde’s sharp wit and style, his larger than life characters and his satirical view of marriage, the aristocracy, the government and society in general.

Lord Arthur Savile (Glen Kingston) is engaged to be married to the lovely Sybil Merton (Alex Hepple). Her mother, the fierce and foreboding Lady Julia (Sylvia Cockerline) is not convinced of Lord Arthur’s intentions and has engaged an infallible  chiromancer (palm reader) Mr Podges (Trevor Hogg), to confirm (or deny) his suitability to marry her daughter. At a pre-wedding party arranged by Arthur we meet his family – The Dean Of Paddington (Tony Hurst), Lady Windermere (Judith Bell) and Lady Clementina Beauchamp (Christine Coaster); all of whom obviously don’t get on with Lady Julia either. Podges reads Arthur’s palm and, unseen by anyone else, has an adverse reaction to what he sees. Privately, after the others leave, Podges informs Arthur he will commit a murder at some stage in the future. Being an honourable man, Arthur decides that the murder must be committed before his marriage and with the help of his faithful manservant Baines (Laurence Hill), they concoct several inept schemes to commit the ‘dirty deed’ on various members of the family, aided and abetted by the hapless anarchist Herr Wikelkopf (Ian Reah) and a bumbling housemaid Nellie (Fiona Jones). Needless to say, the plot has its audience guessing the outcome right up to the end of the play and has many laugh out loud moments; not the least of which come from some tremendous characterisations by the cast and the superb wit of Wilde.

Glen’s role in particular is one he can be extremely proud of. His portrayal of the central character was dominant and almost flawless. His relationship with Laurence was superb, as it has to be. They are both hardly off the stage and their interaction was equally admirable, creating many comedic and memorable moments and situations. They were superbly supported by the other actors showing their strengths and experience in successfully delivering some wonderful performances. In fact it was difficult to see any weak link in the piece, which, in my estimation was perfectly cast.

The costumes – especially the ladies - which changed with every scene, were sumptuous and genuinely periodic in both their look and the materials they were made from. The set was another masterpiece, beautifully made, decorated and dressed with period properties and furniture. Lighting and sound effects also played an important part in the production, of which the whole team can be justly proud.

Congratulations to Ali and Anne on a wonderfully directed play. To the rest of the Company; you were 'unreal'. Well done to all, as it would be improper to single out any one of you.

Finally thanks from me and my companion Pauleen, National President Christine and Past President Gordon for the invitation and a superb night’s entertainment. We look forward to Blackadder II in June.

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