Joe Orton’s madcap farce comes to North Finchley

Promotional image for What the Butler Saw by Joe Orton

Venue: artsdepot, 5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley N12 0GA

Date/Time: Friday 31st May & Saturday 1st June

Info: 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 Joe Orton’s 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.

Joe Orton was born in Leicester in 1933. During a short, dazzling career, he shocked, outraged, and delighted audiences with his riotous black comedies, including Loot and Entertaining Mr Sloane.

What the Butler Saw is presented by London Classic Theatre, who were at artsdepot in September 2023 with Abigail’s Party.

Tickets and more info here.

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