A Perfect Night of Theatre

One of the most stressful events one can partake in is the dreaded job interview. Imagine what would happen if you are being interviewed for a secretarial position at an insane asylum run by potential lunatics. Add in a lustful Psychiatrist, his nymphomaniac Wife, and an interfering inspector. Be sure to shake—not stir—and you have just witnessed the beginning of What the Butler Saw.



WHAT THE BUTLER SAW
By Joe Orton
Aug. 19 – Sept. 18, 2010
Young Centre for the Performing Arts
55 Mill Street, Toronto, ON
Tickets $29.00 - $70.00
416-866-8666
www.soulpepper.ca

Blair Williams as Dr. Prentice (left), Nicole Underhay as Geraldine (centre), and Graham Harley as Dr. Rance (right) serve up a heap of laughter in 'What The Burler Saw.' Playwright Joe Orton relies on extreme nauthiness to deliver the goods in the no hold barred English farce.


Geraldine (Nicole Underhay) is excited at the possibility of working with a well respected Psychiatrist and though everything starts out innocently enough, it all goes completely awry after she is asked to get undressed. Under the guise that he wants to ensure she is fit to work for him, Dr. Prentice’s (Blair Williams) ill fated seduction is quickly interrupted by his society hungry, sex starved Wife (Brenda Robins) and his peer Dr. Rance (Graham Harley).

It all goes downhill for the naive, young women from that point on. All the while Geraldine tries to keep her wits about her, especially after being committed.

In the delicious flavour of crazy British comedies, such as Faulty Towers or the Carry On movies, What the Butler Saw is the perfect mixology for a lunatic Martini straight up. Combining innocent, unsuspecting characters with borderline nut cases, creates the perfect conditions for a chaotic free-for-all. However, hidden beneath this raunchy comedy are some serious societal issues such as incest, nymphomania and adultery, all cleverly peppered throughout the snappy dialogue.

"Why are there so many doors," the investigating Doctor Rance asks as he enters Doctor Prentice's office, "Was this house designed by a lunatic?"

The house may not have been built by a lunatic, but it does leave us to question who is truly sane. The tenants of the madhouse or the keepers themselves?

What the Butler Saw is a romping, raunchy good time, but definitely not for the theatrically weak at heart. This wild farce will have you laughing from beginning to end and serves as a perfect night of theatre for those who fancy storytelling mayhem.



Review by Carolina Smart



CAST
Oliver Dennis
Graham Harley
Brandon McGibbon
Brenda Robins
Nicole Underhay
Blair Williams

DIRECTOR
Jim Warren


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