Preview: What The Butler Saw at Darlington Hippodrome

London Classic Theatre to bring Joe Orton farce to Darlington Hippodrome

 

What The Butler Saw

Darlington Hippodrome

Tuesday 18 - Saturday 22 June 2024

London Classic Theatre has announced the full cast for their UK tour of Joe Orton’s farce What The Butler Saw which comes to Darlington Hippodrome in June. The cast is made up of Alex Cardall (Nicholas Beckett), John Dorney (Doctor Prentice), Alana Jackson (Geraldine Barclay), Jack Lord (Doctor Rance), Jon-Paul Rowden (Sergeant Match) and Holly Smith (Mrs Prentice).

Rehearsal - Alex Cardall as Nicholas Beckett,
Holly Smith as Mrs Prentice

Artistic Director of London Classic Theatre, Michael Cabot said today, “I’m delighted to be directing What The Butler Saw. I’ve always been a massive admirer of Joe Orton’s work and this play in particular. It’s undeniably a ground-breaking, challenging piece. Orton was firmly into his stride as a playwright and determined to push boundaries. Primarily, it’s a brilliantly constructed farce, but it also explores territory that allows Orton’s wicked sense of humour free reign. No one is safe! The play was first performed at the end of the 1960s, causing something of an outcry, so it will be fascinating to see what audiences make of it in 2024. I’m very excited to be working with an ensemble of terrific actors, most of whom are making their LCT debuts. And our fabulous creative team, Designer Bek Palmer and Lighting Designer Hector Murray, are in the process of creating a unique visual feast for our audiences.”

London Classic theatre has wowed Darlington audiences with previous productions atDarlington Hippodrome of Boeing Boeing and, most recently, Abigail’s Party.

Rehearsal - John Dorney as Doctor Prentice,
Jack Lord as Doctor Rance

Within his private psychiatric clinic, Doctor Prentice is interviewing a new secretary. Geraldine wants the position but seems underqualified and uncertain about her parentage. Mrs Prentice appears, flushed and in urgent need of a drink, following an illicit encounter at the Station Hotel. In the meantime, Doctor Rance, a Government Inspector and Sergeant Match, a policeman, arrive amidst increasing chaos with searching questions of their own.

What The Butler Saw is a most ambitious play, manic farce and masterclass in fearless comic writing. No institution, political view or tradition is safe, as Orton explores comic territory few playwrights have dared to visit.

Rehearsal - Alex Cardall as Nicholas Beckett, John Dorney as Doctor Prentice,
Alana Jackson as Geraldine Barclay

Tickets:

What The Butler Saw runs at Darlington Hippodrome from Tuesday 18 to Saturday 22 June. For more information or to book visit  www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01325 405405.