What the Butler Saw

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What the Butler Saw is a farce written by English playwright Joe Orton. It premièred at the Queen's Theatre in London on 5 March 1969. It was Orton's final play and the second to be performed after his death, following Funeral Games the year before. The play consists of two acts, and revolves around a Dr. Prentice, a psychiatrist attempting to seduce his attractive prospective secretary, Geraldine Barclay. His wife, however, is also being seduced and blackmailed by a Nicholas Beckett. She therefore promises Nicholas the post as secretary, which adds further confusion. (From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia).

Staged at The Space (Cape Town) in 1973, directed by Brian Astbury in his directorial debut, with Phillip Boucher, Bill Flynn, Ronald France, Christopher Prophet, Maralin Vanrenen and Jacqui Singer. John Nankin was the designer and the stage manager was Neville Burgess.

In 1979 a Company of Four production was directed by Leonard Schach featuring Keith Grenville, Grethe Fox, Diana Allen, Sean Taylor, Henry Goodman, Icky Kurgan. It was performed in the Concert Hall, Baxter Theatre. (Source: Barrow, Brian & Williams-Short, Yvonne (eds.). 1988. Theatre Alive! The Baxter Story 1977-1987).

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