Above : Full cast production shot
My introduction to J.M. Barrie’s The ADMIRABLE CRICHTON was thanks to the 1957 version starring Kenneth More seen on a Sunday matinee. Crichton is an odd sort of story. It was described as “a fantasy in four acts”, but it is also a satire, or even some kind of parable, about the rigidity of Edwardian society.
The play is ever-so clever and delightful in every detail. Crichton ( pronounced “CRY-ton”) is a 30-year-old butler, in reality the totem factum in this high-toned Mayfair household of the Earl of Loam, described by the playwright as a widower, a philanthropist and a peer of advanced ideas. One of his ideas is that class differences are artificial, so he decrees that once a month, all the servants in the house must take tea in the drawing room with him and his family and guests as equals. These social events are dreaded not only by Lord Loam’s three high spirited but indolent daughters, but also by the servants. Crichton, who as the butler is head of the servants hall, finds them excruciating. The daughters know how profoundly uncomfortable Crichton is with this charade of equality.
A few days after the “servants’ tea” Lord Loam and family leave on his private yacht for an extended voyage to the South Seas. Crichton is persuaded to join them as the Lord’s valet, and Tweeny, a ladies maid for Lady Mary, as well as her sisters tag along.
Bouquets go to the sterling performance of Crichton by Andrew Eddey whose comic and acting strength were on point. Lady Mary is well played by Amy Tustian as are the sisters Lady Agatha played by Brook Taylor Moore and Lady Catherine played by Hannah Heading. There is a tear-away role for Timothy Bennett as Lord Loam. Outstanding comic presence is by Jono Lukins as Ernest Woolley and effervescent acting by Tweeny played by Isabelle Serafim. Supporting crew were magical
This production is perfect for the direction by Steve Hopley and stage design by Ginny Daldalian and Jack Woodford props and lighting magically transformed Mayfair and the island thanks to Gregory George and Ethan Chan. Sound master Jack Woodford set the tone wonderfully. The costuming was paired perfectly by costume designer Susan Carvath.
Highly recommend, THE ADMIRABLE CRICHTON is currently playing the Genesian theatre.
