The Butler Did It

The Butler Did It
By Walter and Peter Marks. Tugun Theatre Co., Gold Coast. Directed by Rihanna Hartley Smith. 17th to 27th February 2021.

Tugun Theatre Co is off to a great start with their production of The Butler Did It.

This six hander has the audience on the edge of their seats with a show that is overflowing with laughs and full of well-executed slapstick.

The scene: the set of Anthony J Lefcourt’s (Dave Fraser) latest Broadway production: The Butler Did It.  Lefcourt is not only directing but has also written and financed the show. In an effort to recreate his past successes, he has decided to withhold the final scene from the cast to bring an element of suspense and surprise. He has assembled an odd assortment of personnel to bring his latest gem to life: Natalie (a “past her prime” actress) played by Jennifer Baker, Robert (whose “love affair with alcohol” is his greatest achievement) played by Noel Thompson, Claudia (an ingénue, determined to make it at all costs) played by Samantha McClurg, Michael (the over-zealous Equity rep. looking after the cast’s interests – especially his own….) played by Oliver Childs and Sam (a “seasoned” actor who has had a “run-in” with Natalie in a previous production) played by Lachlan Mitcherson.

Despite this odd assortment of characters, Lefcourt persists in bringing his “baby” to life.

The cast work well as a team and “bounce” off each other brilliantly both individually and collectively. 

Michael’s loudly beeping watch lets everyone know exactly when the rehearsal starts and stops.

Lighting and sound along with a well-dressed cast and striking set make this production another feather in the cap of Rihanna Hartley-Smith and Tugun Theatre Company.

A fabulous theatrical experience! 

Roger McKenzie

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