The Admirable Crichton
Written by J.M. Barrie
Directed by T. Hadley Prestage
12 – 15 May 1971
It is the Earl of Loam’s whim to invite his servants once a month to the drawing room where they are treated as social equals. His daughter and friends are forced to serve them, much to the distaste of Crichton, the butler, who knows his place. He accompanies the Earl on a yachting party with the three daughters, an affected young man and a sporting parson, as well as the lady’s maid who is in love with Crichton. They are wrecked on a desert island and Crichton, at first imperceptibly, takes command and wins their devotion by his resourcefulness. The women vie for his favor. He chooses Lady Mary no longer indolent, but intensely vital for his wife. At this point a ship is seen in the offing and, with noble self abnegation, Crichton signals to her. Back in England, all revert to their former positions.
Cast
Crichton – Peter Janes
The Hon. Earnest Woolley – Neil Appelt
Lady Agatha Lasenby – Jane Suckling
Lady Catherine Lasenby – Gloria Markham
Lady Mary Lasenby – Ainslie Pennell
The Rev. John Treherne – Victor Latson
The Earl of Loam – Harry Randall
Lord Brocklehurst – Ted Brooks
Mr Rolleston – Robert Lindley
Mr Tompsett – Harry Dunphy
Miss Fisher – Dot Hamlin
Jane – Lyn Grizzell
Gladys – Molly Pritchard
Eliza (Tweeny) – Melba Rutherford
Page – Anthony Brooks
A Naval Officer – Robert Lindley
The Countess of Brocklehurst – Doreen Hussey
Crew
Set Design – Phil Carter
Stage Manager – Phil Carter
Assistant Stage Manager – Nancy Copley
Properties – Marilyn Palmer, Jennifer Farrell
Lighting – Mike Auvray, Sheila Fryatt
Sound – Colin Lincoln
Wardrobe – Joan Robarts, Ede Meyer, Joan Monaghan