Habeas Corpus

Habeas Corpus, written by Alan Bennett, performed by Hobart Repertory Theatre Society, is an example of Nominative Determinism - the hypothesis that a person's name may have a significant role in determining key aspects of job, profession or even character.

In this mad romp by Bennett, set in 1968 and written and first produced in 1973, the notion that names may bear out some of the character’s personality is less obvious, say, than by Charles Dickens or John Bunyan, but is used to great effect. In one of the most hilarious comedies I’ve seen in ages, Bennett takes a poke at British society and the class system, in a seemingly shallow situation comedy, in his usual cutting way. Although this play is out of date, and definitely politically incorrect, it worked well, striking the right comedic note.

Beautifully cast, for experience, type and visual impact, the band of players relished their roles, playing every line for laughs. That the actors didn’t crack up is a testament to their competence and good direction from Scott Hunt. Roger Chevalier (the debauched Dr Arthur Wicksteed), Mark Morgan (Canon Throbbing, a celibate), Brian Andrews (Sir Percy Shorter, a leading light in the Medical profession), Pip Tyrell (Lady Rumpers, a white settler) and Kath Uziallo (Felicity Rumpers, the ingénue, and daughter of Lady Rumpers) played to type. Diction, voice production and accent were superb throughout this clever, wordy play.

Kathy Spencer (Mrs Swabb, the housekeeper, the lower-class element) provided the 'chorus', with excellent accent, perfect timing and superb characterisation. Fransina Kennedy (Muriel Wicksteed, sex-starved and socially conscious wife of Arthur) gushed and rushed about, trying to keep her role in society together, while CJ Bowers (Dennis Wicksteed, the sad-sack, overlooked, hypochondriac Wicksteed son) was sympathetically drippy, but sweet. Maria Nordenberg, Tim Hurd and Marcus Johnson also gave good performances.

This play was so fast-paced, that colourful costumes compensated for the minimalist (unless you count a chair) set, and limited lighting were all that was needed to propel this good cast through a great play for a fantastic night of fun.

Merlene Abbott

Photographer: John King Smith