Book: Oscar Wilde

Adaptor Trevor Baxter

Director: Christopher Luscombe

Music: Malcolm McKee

Reviewer: Ruth Lovett

The Public Reviews Rating:

Bill Kenwright has once again decided to stage an adaptation of on Oscar Wilde production following recent revivals of The Picture of Dorian Gray and The Importance of Being Earnest but this time has opted for a comedy in Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime.

Lord Arthur Savile is on the verge of marrying his sweetheart, the lovely Sybil Merton when he has his palm read at while at Lady Windermere’s residence by Mr Podger, a much trusted clairvoyant. During the reading, Mr Podger reveals that Lord Savile’s palm states that he will commit a murder in his future and that this is a certainty.

Terrified that he will murder is future wife, Lord Savile decides he must commit the murder before he marries Sybil and sets about considering which of his relatives and acquaintances would be most ‘suitable’ candidate to get the murder of out the way so he can enjoy married life. This sets the tone for the rest of the play which follows the hatching of the plot to kill and sees Lord Savile weighing up his options, much to the confusion of Sybil who cannot understand the change in his behavior. Throughout the show we are introduces to various members of London’s social scene and members of Lord Savile’s family such as the confused and easily distracted uncle, the Dean of Chichester and the elderly aunt, Lady Clementina.

From the outset the play moves along at a steady speed with plenty of amusing witty lines performed by a well rehearsed cast who interact very well with each other. Much has been expected of Mead following his victory in the BBC’s ‘Any Dream Will Do’ reality TV casting program in 2007 and his successful run in ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat’ in London’s West End. He does not disappoint, demonstrating good comic timing and a genuine aptitude for acting suggesting this man may well prove to be good all round performer and have a long and successful career ahead of him. However some of the finest comedic moments come from the interaction between Gary Wilmot’s Mr Podger and Derren Nesbitt’s Herr Winkelkopf, particularity at the start of Act 2 which has the audience roaring with laughter and is a great comic paring.

A special mention should be given to the musicians, Anna McNicholas and Matthew Wycliffe who remain on stage for the duration and provide the soundtrack of this tongue-in-cheek show. There is even a little singing from the cast to satisfy those who were unsure of Mead’s ability to perform straight play rather than amusical.

Credit should be given to Alexander McPherson’s set as despite being a touring production, particular attention seems to have been paid to the detail in the scenery and visually the set is quite impressive with good use of colour and a recreation of the Embankment of the River Thames.This show is a lively, entertaining piece, well executed and a welcome addition to the autumn/winter season. Mead holds in own in a well seasoned cast and can look towards a prosperous future., It would appear that on this occasion, reality TV casting as done good and found a true talent that will continue to grow.

runs until 23rd Jan

Lord Arthur Savile's Crime - Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield, 3.3 out of 5 based on 9 ratings

Tags: Anna McNicholas, Bill Kenwright, Christopher Luscombe, Derren Nesbitt, Gary Wilmot, Lee Mead, Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime, Matthew Wycliffe, Oscar Wilde, Sheffield Lyceum