In the works of Oscar Wilde, mothers-in-laws are always best handled with caution.
Who can forget Lady Bracknell asking such direct questions of her prospective son-in-law in the Importance Of Being Earnest? Now here comes Sybil Merton's mother, a distinctly devious and superstitious Wildean creation in Lord Arthur Savile's Crime, next week's production by the York Settlement Community Players.
When her daughter wishes to marry Lord Arthur Savile, she hires palm reader Mr Podger to see what his Lordship's future holds. Podger is shocked by the reading's portent: Lord Arthur is destined to commit a murder.
Being a man of honour, his Lordship feels duty bound to conduct his murderous business before he marries Sybil.
In the course of doing so he enlists the help, willing or otherwise, of the eccentric anarchist inventor, Herr Winkelkopf, his faithful butler Baines and several decidedly odd relations.
This blackly comic theme is handled with Wilde's characteristic dazzle and wit, transferred to the stage by Constance Cox from the Irish playwright's original short story.
Leading roles in Alan Booty's production go to Settlement newcomer Jessica Fisher, as Sybil Merton, Barbara Miller, as Sybil's mother, and Mick Cutler, as Lord Arthur Savile. Settlement's longest-serving member, John White, will play the Dean.
York Settlement Community Players present Lord Arthur Savile's Crime at Friargate Theatre, Lower Friargate, York, from June 16 to 19. Performances: 7.30pm, plus Saturday matinee at 2pm. Tickets: £6.50, concessions and matinee £5; 0845 961 3000 or on the door.
Updated: 08:41 Friday, June 11, 2004
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