Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime at the Genesian Theatre is a excellent piece of community theatre.
It is an enjoyable evening out and a tight and natural production. A three act play in the hands of amateurs can sometimes be a drag but in Timothy Bennett’s production the pace cantered along without a dull moment.
I attended this play with some trepidation, having seen some shameless over-acting in previous Genesian shows, but the cast successfully made the ludicrous plotline seem perfectly natural. Additionally the cast seemed to gel superbly for which much credit must go to the director.
Particular mention must go to Daniel Falkai who was a wonderful Lord Arthur Savile and hardly missed a beat despite his copious dialogue. There is potential for Lord Arthur to be an irritating character, but Daniel was likeable, believable and possessed a perfect English accent.
Comic delivery honours go to Sandra Bass as the over bearing mother of the bride who comfortably won the majority of laughs. Her performance was perfect as she sucked the energy out of every room she entered (in a good way) and assassinated anyone she chose with the acidity of her tongue.
Tom Massey’s appearance as the anarchist Herr Winkelkopf injected a burst of energy into the proceedings and contrasted wonderfully to the stiff Englishness of the other characters. Judging from the programme photo, it looks like he grew that incredible beard for the show and I applaud his dedication as it perfectly complemented his performance.
Robert Drew is a strong actor playing the role of Baines the Butler and he is exceptionally good. However, I would have preferred a slightly different characterisation. The role is described in the programme as “the long-suffering Baines”. Unfortunately he did not seem remotely long suffering. This was Wilde’s commentary on the English upper classes - blundering fools born into privilege whilst their “inferiors” are clearly far more capable. For me, Lord Arthur and Baines seemed slightly too closely matched in intellect and status, which removed some of the potential for humour.
I would have liked to have seen a more dry-witted, world-weary portrayal of Baines. Some lines were almost played for laughs, whilst a more deadpan delivery would have got the job done.
I am hugely conscious that this is just my opinion. I can see many reasons to justify the direction taken and Drew’s performance is very impressive. I can only note that Baines is a role blessed with some of the funniest lines in the play, yet most seemed to fall flat with the audience.
Nevertheless Robert Drew is obviously a superb actor, with a great voice and a powerful stage presence. I just feel that presence should have been more subdued in this particular role.
Bendeguz Daniel Devenyi-Botis impressed as the chiromantist, Mr Podgers. Bringing an appropriate level of weirdness to the role. I liked his subtle break in character during his final scene, although I shouldn’t spoil the plot by explaining further.
Kristie Jane Hogan was wonderfully natural as the Lord Arthur’s fiancé Sybil Merton. She seemed very at home in a period character and would comfortably fit into any Jane Austen production. She also showed perfect comic timing when given the chance later in the play.
The cast is excellent throughout even down to the minor roles. Danielle Dormer as the maid Nellie showed a beautiful comic flair and we must hope to see more from her in future Genesian Productions. Eliza Doolittle in Pygmalion perhaps?
I should also add a word about Peter Henson who was responsible for the set AND costume design.
Wow! For a community theatre, you won’t see better!

To summarise, Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime at the Genesian Theatre is a superb production and deserves strong audiences. For only $25 this is a great value evening out. Director, Timothy Bennett should be delighted and proud at the final production.