Lord Arthur Saviles Crime

Reporter: Colin Meredith
Date online: 12/06/2008

In over thirty years of theatre going, I have never seen a production of Oscar Wilde¹s Lord Arthur Savile¹s Crime. When I left this opening night production by The Mad Theatre Company I did not leave disappointed. The plot revolves around Septimus Podgers, a professional palmist, who reads Lord Arthur Savile¹s hand and sees murder written across his palm. Arthur, about to marry his childhood sweetheart, resolves to get the murder out of the way before his nuptials, thus launching a witty plot of unsuccessful attempts on the lives of his elderly relatives.

Dave Fielding was the eccentric Septimus Podgers and Jon Comyn-Platt played the dapper and concerned Lord Arthur with a great deal of skill. Sheila Maxson as Lady Julia Merton and Karen Williams as her daughter were convincing in their relationship which came as no surprise as they happen to be mother and daughter. Regulars Andy McKay as the Dean of Paddington added gravitas to the plot and Maureen Davenport as Lady Clementina Beauchamp and Tracy Wood as Lady Windermere held the balance of power as Arthurs two aunts. However I have to say Brian Haworth almost steals the show with his portrayal of Frederick Winkelkopf, the anarchist. He played the role with great energy as did all the cast who were superb.

I must also mention Bill Pattinson as Baines the butler and Pauline Brett as Nellie the maid as they were crucial to the plot. Thanks must go to the stage management team for designing a very detailed and convincing set complimented by a series of elaborate period costumes. Director Margaret Hopkinson is to be congratulated for giving us such clearly defined characters in an effervescent evenings entertainment.