What the Butler Saw
On stage at Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds
- Next Event
- 25th June 7:30pm
- Event Finishes
- 29th June 10:00pm
About this event
Within the pristine walls of 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 with Nick Beckett, blackmailer and bell boy 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 Joe Orton’s final, most ambitious play, manic farce and masterclass in fearless comic writing. No institution, political view or tradition is safe, as Orton focuses his wicked sense of humour on a range of targets, including the establishment, an ex-Prime Minister, cross-dressing, misogyny and the medical profession. He brings together an array of distinctive characters, placing them in a series of improbable situations, unflinchingly exploring comic territory few playwrights before or since have dared to visit.
John Kingsley (Joe) Orton, playwright, author and diarist was born in Leicester in 1933. During a short, but dazzling career in the London theatre world, he shocked, outraged, and delighted audiences with his riotous black comedies, including Loot, The Erpingham Camp, The Ruffian on the Stair and Entertaining Mr Sloane. Joe Orton was battered to death by his lover, Kenneth Halliwell, in 1967.
About the Venue
Theatre Royal presents a vibrant, year-round programme of drama, music, dance and comedy, featuring many of this country’s leading companies and performers.
It has built a reputation of producing quality dramas and productions including the ever popular annual pantomime. Browse what’s on at www.theatreroyal.org/upcoming.
Alongside our on-stage programme of shows, the theatre offers a wide-ranging educational and community-based programme of activities and opportunities to engage people from 5 – 105 years of age, see more about our community involvement work at www.theatreroyal.org/get-involved
Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds was designed and built in 1819 by William Wilkins. With many of its original features still intact, it is a superb example of a Regency playhouse and one of the most beautiful, intimate and historic theatres in the world.
Guided Tours operate from 7 April to 27 August bookable through Theatre Royal’s Website or from the box office. If you have requests outside of these times do call us to discuss your requirements. www.theatreroyal.org/shows/theatre-tour-2022/
Theatre goers can now also enjoy pre-show dining provided by LÉA: a delicious new artisan food range from award-winning Maison Bleue.
We look forward to welcoming you to Bury St Edmunds and its Regency jewel.