Wednesday, May 21, 2014

'What the Butler Saw' by The Stage Club - 28th – 31st May 2014


There is no singing in this comedic play but it looks like a fun evening anyhow, that and the promise of gratuitous nudity. What more can you ask for?



What The Butler Saw is a classic evening of farcical fun, with mistaken identities, cross-dressing, seduction and blackmail.

“What I love about this play is that although it follows a well-known formula it is taken to hysterical excess,” said director Gavin Low in his first play with The Stage Club. “The risqué elements were somewhat shocking to a British audience back at its premier in 1969, but in the modern day the play still exploits social attitudes to sex and sexuality in a light and entertaining way. Doors will be slammed, and clothes will be lost!”



The play is set in a private psychiatric clinic run by Dr Prentice, who is attempting to seduce his young and impressionable secretary when his bitter and sex-starved wife walks in. Soon, more and more unwelcome guests appear at the clinic, including the oversexed bellboy, a self-important but incompetent state inspector and a police sergeant looking for a missing part of the statue of Sir Winston Churchill. What follows is a series of hilarious proceedings as Dr Prentice tries to conceal his attempted seduction.

Behind such a funny play lies the sad story of its author, Joe Orton, a critically acclaimed British writer with his other works including Loot and the screenplay for the Beatles’ film Up against it. Tragically Orton was murdered when he was 34, bludgeoned to death with a hammer. His murder is thought to be the inspiration for the Beatles song Maxwell’s Silver Hammer.


The talented cast for What the Butler Saw comprises trained professionals, local drama teachers and some who have simply built up a hobby over the years. The cast has mix of nationalities- American, British, Indian and Singaporean. “We are fortunate to have such a great pool of talent to work with – on and behind stage,” Gavin said. “But the club is always on the lookout for new members - whether from near or far. The club is built on the ethos of community theatre - friendship, teamwork, fun - bringing quality and accessible theatre to Singapore, for Singapore.”

The Stage Club’s long-standing President, David Hickman, added “The club’s highly talented volunteer actors, director and crew bring their vast experience to performing another hilarious comedy for which The Stage Club has become renowned. We expect the audience enjoyment and reaction to rival that of last year’s sell-out success ‘Allo, ‘Allo.”


Show Dates: 28th – 31st May 2014 8:00pm
Venue: DBS Arts Centre – The Singapore Repertory Theatre
Tickets: $37 (Wed) $42 (Thu-Sat) $22 Students
Tickets available at SISTIC

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