‘What the Butler Saw’ by Joe Orton. The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey 2017. Directed by Paul Mullins. Pictured (left to right): Peter Simon Hilton as Dr. Prentice, Allison Layman as Geraldine Barclay and John Hutton as Dr. Rance. Photo credit: Jerry Dalia.
The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey continues its current season with the play What the Butler Saw by Joe Orton. This work was first performed in 1969 but this production marks the first time an Orton play is presented on the Madison Main Stage. What the Butler Saw is an uproarious farce. It shocked audiences when it was first produced. Reactions to the play might differ today.
If you look at synonyms for the word farce, one that pops up immediately is circus. In many ways, that is what takes place onstage but in a funny way. The laughs come quickly and often. But beware, because underneath that humor was an anger from the playwright waiting to be told. Directed by Paul Mullins, What the Butler Saw takes place in a mental hospital somewhere in Great Britain. The setting provides ample room for the play to demonstrate how insane aspects of life can be. If one looks at this play from a symbolic viewpoint, reasons for supposed insanity have sound basis. Or they are not insane at all!
The basic storyline revolves around Doctor Prentice who is hiring a new secretary. He interviews Geraldine Barclay in a most unconventional manner instructing her to remove her clothing and lie down on a stretcher for examination. She is reluctant at first, but eventually goes along with it. However, several points of interference occur including the entrance of Dr. Prentice’s wife and a government inspector named Doctor Rance. Rather than facing either of their criticisms for his unconventional interviewing technique, Dr. Prentice begins an elaborate series of actions designed to hide the naked woman.
Playing in the background are several subplots. One involves Mrs. Prentice and a young man she has bedded down with. Also, Dr. Rance is trying to get a book published and he keeps seeing aspects of all that goes on as materials he can use. The correlation between Dr. Rance and thoughts about the role of government in England at the time the play was written can be seen. Is there a connection to today? That is determined by each audience member.
The comedic timing and the delivery of the lines by the actors is absolutely superb. Their ability to create and participate in the outrageous behavior taking place on stage makes this show hilarious. The actions are a bit far fetched at times but they work because of the smooth coordination of the actors. The cast includes Peter Simon Hilton as Doctor Prentice, Allison Layman plays Geraldine Barclay, Vanessa Morosco as Mrs. Prentice, Robbie Simpson plays Nicholas Beckett. Also cast are John Hutton as Doctor Rance and Jeffrey M. Bender plays Sergeant Match.
A word of caution: The show contains some nudity. It also indulges in sensitive topics such as rape and incest.
About the Show
What the Butler Saw plays through October 1, 2017.
The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey is at The F. M Kirby Theatre on the campus of Drew University, 36 Madison Avenue at Lancaster Road, Madison New Jersey.
Information and sales of tickets are available either at the Box Office or through The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey’s website.