The School for Influencing Scandal

This was an ingenuous adaptation of Sheridan’s The School for Scandal, bringing it into the 21st Century Social Media age.  The script stuck closely to Sheridan’s original, first performed in London in 1777, but updated here and there to take into account the use of mobile phones and iPads.  In the 18th century, gossip and fake news was spread through newspapers but now it’s instantaneous through social media.

The enthusiastic and friendly Front of House team were very welcoming.  Grayshott Village Hall was opened in 1902, solidly built with good facilities, a high, beamed ceiling, and a good sized stage although I understand there is not much space behind the scenes.  A very useful smaller side hall served as the bar.

The simple set consisted of two double-sided ‘flats’ on castors which were very versatile and were manoeuvred around skilfully by the cast, painted to show the interiors or exteriors of each scene.  Props were minimal, consisting almost solely of iPads or mobile phones which were cleverly used.  Unobtrusive and effective lighting was appropriate and understated.  Costumes were well thought out, a mixture of down-to-earth modern with a touch of eccentricity (Lady Sneerwell) and a nod to Sheridan (Sir Benjamin Backbite).  Miss Verjuice’s bright pink wig was eye-catching!

The scene was set at the beginning by the gossips congregated in a café/pub playing with their mobile phones and iPads.  The four main ‘Influencers’, or gossips - Lady Sneerwell (Brezetta Thonger), Miss Verjuice (Diana Lovelock), Mrs Candour (Sara Wilson-Soppitt) and Sir Benjamin Backbite (Paul Bailey) - were well cast and played their parts convincingly.  Their names describe them wonderfully.  Special praise must go to Sara Wilson-Soppitt who stepped in, without rehearsals, to replace the original cast member who was taken ill at the last minute.  How fortunate that iPads played such an important part in the adaptation but her use of hers to deliver her lines was hardly noticeable.

Basically it’s the story of Sir Oliver Surface (Richard White), the epitome of an expatriate nabob in his lightweight colonial suit, who returns to England a very rich man after 15 years in the Far East.  He hears unpleasant gossip about his two nephews Joseph (Richard Hosmer) and Charles (Joe White), two complete opposites, and decides to set them a little test to secretly learn their true characters before choosing an heir.  Joseph (the elder), the favourite of his guardian Sir Peter Teazle, an old friend of Sir Oliver, comes across as a serious, honest member of London society, and Charles (the younger), the profligate wastrel in the country who has squandered the family money and is seeking to borrow yet more.  They were both very believable.  Joseph turns out to be a hypocrite and a liar, whereas Charles, a lovable rogue, proves himself to have a generous and thoughtful soul. 

In the meantime, the group of gossipy Influencers delight in indulging in speculative rumours about their friends and acquaintances. Sir Peter (David Greenwood) has recently taken a much younger country wife.  He is distraught at her flighty and extravagant behaviour, determined to make her mark on London society.  She has no qualms about liberally spending his money or enjoying the occasional fling with younger suitors.  Greenwood gave a persuasive image of the harassed and disappointed husband while Lady Teazle (Kate Buxton) clearly enjoyed mocking him unmercifully. 

In the end it’s clear that only the gossips lack true honour.  Lady Teazle is reconciled with her husband, ultimately recognising his value and good nature, Charles marries Maria (who we never see – Sir Peter’s ward and heiress to his fortune) with whom he is in love but she is also being pursued by the conniving and unscrupulous Joseph Surface (who intends to have her himself and secure his fortune while pretending an affair with Lady Teazle) and Sir Benjamin Backbite.  Lady Sneerwell and Joseph Surface depart in high dudgeon, scattering threats as they go.  I always like a happy ending!

The other three supporting roles – Rowley (Eric Collins), the ‘Mr Fix-It’, Amelia (Annie Bartholomew), a banker, and Eleanor (Laura Musco), a very canny maidservant who talks the language of investment banking and hedge funds, were all very realistic and confident in their roles.

This is a very wordy play and the Stagers were lucky to have Ellis Nicholls as Director, who also adapted the play from Sheridan’s original.  He did a fantastic job and is to be congratulated, as indeed is the whole team, for having produced such an entertaining production with many twists and turns and an enjoyable happy ending.

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