Published in 1891 as a short story by Oscar Wilde, Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime was the basis of this satire adaptation by Constance Cox and presented by the Genesian Theatre Company. Although I had previously seen productions over many years at their historic 70-year venue on Kent St in Sydney’s heart of the city, this was the first time I had seen a Genesian Theatre Company’s production in 2025 in their purpose-built new theatre. Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime was performed in their new venue at Rozelle, complete with high ceilings, air conditioning, with every comfortable plush seat having an unobstructed view of the stage.
It is the late 1800’s and Aristocrat Lord Arthur Savile (Brock Cramond) is engaged to Sybil Merton (Catherine Layard), the daughter of haughty Lady Julia Merton. Lady Julia, portrayed with relish by Roslyn Hicks, clearly doesn’t approve of Lord Arthur as a suitable husband for her beloved daughter. Roslyn’s performance as Lady Julia was a standout. Her disdain towards her future son-in-law, highlighted by her finger pointing and sharp words, as well as her outrageously ostentatious white bird hat, made the audience laugh many times! With the hope of getting a dire warning and thus having an excuse to cancel the engagement, Lady Julia brings a famous cheiromantist (fortune teller) Mr Podgers (Kees Harmsen), to see Lord Arthur, who predicts the past and future by reading palms. Kees’ portrayal of a serious soothsayer was excellent, and as he loomed over Lord Arthur, cloaked in a dark suit wearing a black tophat, he created a sense of mystery and foreboding, and was reminiscent of a human grim reaper. Well done to the costume designers, Molly Haddon and Susan Carveth.
Mr Podgers predicts that Lord Arthur is going to commit a crime of the most serious nature – murder! He keeps this news from Lady Julia, and admits it only to Lord Arthur, who then decides he must complete this murder before his upcoming marriage. With the help of his loyal man servant Baines, impeccably dressed in a black suit with tails (Oliver Harcourt-Ham) Lord Arthur goes about planning to poison his dear Aunty, Lady Clementina. The circumstances surrounding this murder change as he tries to implement his plan, and the audience is left holding their breath waiting to see what happens. Lady Clementina was portrayed by Diedre Campbell, who created a character that was so likeable, it left me hoping she wasn’t going to be a victim.
The following attempts as he goes through his possible family murder victim list, conveniently given to him by an earnest and helpful Baines, involve his other Aunty, Lady Windermere (Julia Burns) and the Dean of Paddington (Christopher Hamilton). Involved with the planning and the supplier of certain possible murder items was a member of the Anarchy Society, Herr Winkelkopf, played with comical overzealousness by Sebastian Lodge. His interactions with Lord Arthur and Baines were earnest in his offer to help, and providing items of the explosive type, (that may or may not work, no spoilers) was one of the highlights of the play. The scene where he was delivering a ‘bomb’ dressed in the exact two shade colours of the wall, so as to ‘blend in’, was hilarious!
A supporting character, Maid Nellie, (Amy Silvana Thomas) added to the wealth of the Savile family. At one point, whether intentional or not, I got the impression that Nellie may be more than whom she seems with her intentions.
The playwright’s characters are quite the caricature of Britain’s high society’s wealthy people, as well as the hired help. Every character had some funny quips, which made the 2 hour, 10 min play flow at a good pace.
The music was suited to the era and emotive theme. Sound Designer Rhea Moloo set a scene of intrigue and trepidation during the introduction and interval, with classical songs, such as Palladio by Virtuoso and Ivan Dohovic, Concerto in G Minor and Flight of the Bumblebee.
Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime was masterfully directed by Molly Haddon and has all the elements of a traditional Victorian Crime – with the murder choices popular during that time, spliced with comedic drama. There is the underlying sense of social class motivations of mixed-up morality, as Lord Arthur is continually supported by ‘his people” as he desperately tries to fulfil his supposed future murder prophecy. The result is a very satisfying comedic play with unexpected twists!
To book tickets to Lord Arthur Savile’s Crimes, please visit www.genesiantheatre.com.au.
The Genesian Theatre
2B Gordon St, Rozelle
25 April – 7 June 2025
Running time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including 20 min interval)
Tickets: Full $35 / Concession, Groups 10+ $30
