Joe Orton’s What the Butler Saw coming to Darlington

London Classic Theatre (LTC) have announced the cast for their UK tour of Joe Orton’s farce What the Butler Saw heading to the Darlington Hippodrome in June.

What the Butler Saw will be running from Tuesday 18 to Saturday 22 June and follow prior LTC productions at the Hippodrome Boeing Boeing and the recent Abigail’s Party.

Rehearsals for What The Butler Saw. (Image: DARLINGTO HIPPODROME)

The production shows the psychiatric Doctor Prentice interviewing Geraldine Barclay who becomes flushed following an illicit encounter.

With introduction of Government Inspector Doctor Rance and police officer Sergeant Match, chaos ensues.

Orton’s comic writing in What the Butler Saw has been described as exploring a territory few playwrights have dared to visit, leaving no institution, political view, or tradition safe.

Michael Cabot, Artistic Director of London Classic Theatre, will be directing the production and has branded himself a “massive admirer of Joe Orton’s work”.

He added: "[What the Butler Saw] is undeniably a ground-breaking, challenging piece. Orton was firmly into his stride as a playwright and determined to push boundaries.

Rehearsals for What The Butler Saw. (Image: DARLINGTO HIPPODROME)

"Orton was firmly into his stride as a playwright and determined to push boundaries. Primarily, it’s a brilliantly constructed farce, but it also explores territory that allows Orton’s wicked sense of humour free reign. No one is safe!

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"The play was first performed at the end of the 1960s, causing something of an outcry, so it will be fascinating to see what audiences make of it in 2024."

"I’m very excited to be working with an ensemble team of terrific actors, most of whom are making their LCT debuts."

The cast set to take stage at the Hippodrome in June is made up of Alex Cardall (Nicholas Beckett), John Dorney (Doctor Prentice), Alana Jackson (Geraldine Barclay), Jack Lord (Doctor Rance), Jon-Paul Rowden (Sergeant Match) and Holly Smith (Mrs Prentice).