Lord Arthur Savile's Crime

Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime a short comic mystery story written by Oscar Wilde in 1891, it was made into a comedy play by Constance Cox who became known for her adaptations of the classics including writing for television. 134 years later and it still stands up today with its snobbishness and people believing what they see or are told.

Walking into the Forge Theatre we are met with the Drawing Room of Lord Arthur. The back wall and only wall was a deep rich burgundy and large gold Fleur de Lys type heraldry pattern on it, on the wall are two wall lamps. Looking at the wall Stage Right was a double door leading to the hall and outside the house, the door was dressed with large curtains each side and caught round the middle in two places to look extravagant with a covered pelmet at the top. When the doors were opened a picture on the back wall was visible and stand with phone. Stage Left was a door to the rest of the house and another entrance was used for the dining room. In the middle on a large carpet was a chaise longue. To the back of this was a table with cloth and a bowl of fruit. On the back wall was a gilt mirror and a writing bureau with a vase of flowers on.  The other side was a small table and Queen Anne chair. At the other side facing were his and her Queen Anne chairs, with cushions. Behind that was a long side table with ornaments and objet d’art  A tall wooden plant-stand with plant and a bell pull hanging down. A brass fireside companion set, a coal bucket, A fire screen and brass fender completed the room. Set Build was Paul Roberts, David Holt, Judith Leigh and Marco Members. Stage Manager was Janice Lyon. Appropriate props were silver salver, various cut glass decanters, a box of chocolates, vases of flowers and bunches of flowers. And a smoking bomb. Properties Peter Haslam. The Lighting worked well and Sound creating the explosions – I loved the music sound track choices in-between scenes. Lighting by John Lyon and David Holt. Sound by Paul Roberts and John Lynon.

The costume looked great, the outfits of Lord Arthur and Baines fitting their characters and in contrast to Herr Winklekopf. The plus fours, the cravat and smoking jacket added to the era. The ladies’ dresses were splendid and I liked the colour co-ordination between mother and daughter Lady Julia Merton and Sybil Merton. Lady Clementina Beauchamp’s outfit getting more colourful on every entrance was jolly. It was noted the jewellery was in keeping too. Wardrobe Marco Members and Friends.

Laura Roberts makes her mark with her directorial debut with this production. Laughs a-plenty and larger than life characters - we are taken on a journey of disaster with hilarious consequences. All the things that go wrong reminded me of The Play That Goes Wrong. The Forge was a great backdrop to perform this play, making it up close and personal. The characters worked well together and the space was utilised effectively.  The characters were caricatures of society at that time and the hyper RP accents done well.

Charlotte Ashworth played Nellie the newly appointed maid. When she said she was all alone in the world I did think she was for the chop. Nigel Cropper as the Dean of Paddington gave us the clergy man who was very forgetful and worrying when he wasn’t sure if he had buried people or not. Caroline Pearson played Lady Windermere, Lord Arthur’s Aunt. Caroline gave us a woman suitably snobbish and able to stand her ground. Vicki Wilson was Lady Julia Merton. Seriously, you wouldn’t want a mother-in-law like that. Vicki gave us woman on a mission to make everyone’s life hell. Her parting shots were usually venom delivered with a sneer. Vicki effectively was able to look down her nose at all (I was glad I was sat at the back). Lady Julia Merton’s daughter was Sybil Merton played by Laura Duffy, madly in love with Arthur but under the watchful eye of her mother. Laura gave us the young lady looking for excitement as she was positively elated at the thought of murder. Laura was able to switch characters with whom she was with. Being flirtatious with Arthur and subservient with her mother.

Paul Costello takes on the role of Podgers the Chiromantist (Palm-reader) and gave us a suitable double character - modest and then turning into someone quite threatening, a nice twist. Siobhan Edge took on the role of Lady Clementina Beauchamp another aunt of Arthur’s. Not afraid to ask for money Siobhan gave us a larger-than-life character and the chocolate box scene was so funny. Great character.

Tom Wilson as the anarchist Herr Winklekopf - if ever an actor was seen to enjoy and relish every moment on stage this was it. Ridiculously over the top and camp, this was hilarious. The catching the ball/umbrella scene was great and the whole German accent adding in his stance and flourishes. Joy!

Mike Thomas takes on the role of Baines the butler to Arthur but more than that he is his confidant. Mike gave us the butler who supports his master through his madcap schemes NOT trying to stop him but adding to the disasters that follow and on occasion nearly killing him. I thought it really worked to help the flow of the piece that Baines was the one who changed the scenes. And how you remembered which flower came on where - hats off to you. Mike worked well with Tom and Ben as they went about their mad schemes. Arthur Savile was played by Ben Latham. Ben must have been exhausted at the end of each night with a full-on challenge to stay alive and plotting murder - not Arthur’s forte also not the sharpest tool in the box as is pointed out by Lady Julia Merton. Ben’s character was herded along by the others, some very funny moments (you probably heard me laughing). The action often physical, bringing out the comedy.

What a hoot this play was and Marco Players must be delighted with this production and I am still in awe of your perseverance to bring theatre to the people of Bolton when you do not have a home. Thank you for the invite from my guest Angela and I.

 

Liz Hume-Dawson

District 5 Rep

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.