Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime – The Palace Theatre, Manchester

Writer: Adapted by Trevor Baxter from a short story by Oscar Wilde

Director: Christopher Luscombe

Reviewer: J. R. Rodway

The Public Reviews Rating:

The day before I reviewed this production, I heard Lee Mead on the radio singing “Any dream will do,” from Joseph and the amazing technicolour dreamcoat. It was difficult approaching this star studded revival to shake off Mead’s close association with the reality TV programme that made his name. However, playing both the lead and title role he gives a superb performance, exuding great wit, elegance and charm.

LORD ARTHUR SAVILE’S CRIME, was originally written by Oscar Wilde as a short, semi-comic mystery story. In his drawing room comedies and short stories, Wilde wrote about what he knew best, the snobbery and arrogance of upper class morality. When Lord Arthur discovers from an encounter with a chirommantist, the chilling Mr Podgers, (brilliantly played by the versatile Gary Wilmot), that he is set to commit a murder, he immediately sets out on a course of action to undertake the dreadful deed before he marries his sweet heart, the lovely and sensible Sybil Merton. As Lord Arthur unsuccessfully tries to kill a succession of elderly relatives, Wilde’s mischievous wit and satirical humour come fully to the fore.

Framed by an ornate proscenium arch, the action is played on a large, playful toy theatre set designed by Alexander McPherson that cleverly enables the production to draw on elements of Victorian melodrama and Music Hall. McPherson is also responsible for designing the exquisite costumes and settings.

Trevor Baxter’s faithful adaption gives plenty of opportunities for the all star cast to exploit the many comic and melodramatic moments in the play. Kate O’Mara as the fading social starlet, Lady Windermere, is at her vampish best delivering deliciously wicked epigrams out to the audience. Special mention too, to David Ross whose Victorian clergyman is a comic gem and a master class in character acting.

Director, Christopher Luscombe’s skilful handling of the text and an excellent cast make for a glorious evening of light hearted, agreeable, entertaining theatre. This is a rock solid, tried and tested production that will appeal to all ages and is warmly recommended. After playing at The Palace Theatre, LORD ARTHUR SAVILE’S CRIME is touring until the end of April to Plymouth, Malvern, Leeds, Worthing, Cardiff and Bath.