Society goes Wilde (From Echo)

Society goes Wilde

10:50pm Tuesday 7th July 2009

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AUDIENCES are guaranteed laughter and a few thrills when Southend Drama Society bring a classic Oscar Wilde story to the Palace’s Dixon Studio in Westcliff.

Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime, the society’s summer production, is a costume comedy set in 19th century London. It tells of Lord Arthur’s struggle to fulfil a terrible destiny.

The society, semi-finalist in the All England Theatre Festival, hopes the play will prove to be as successful as its previous shows such as Family Circles, Play It Again Sam and Don’t Dress for Dinner.

Director Kay Banning said: “It is a long time since the society have performed a period play. It is a very amusing story and, hopefully, will be attractive to the eye, as well as fun to watch.”

The story centres around Lord Arthur, played by Charlie Mellor, awaiting his impending marriage to the beautiful Sybil Merton.

However, her mother is less certain of her future son-in-law’s integrity and enlists a palm reader to examine Lord Arthur’s hand.

Unfortunately, fate dictates Lord Arthur must commit a murder and he resolves the awful deed must be done before his marriage.

Assisted by his butler and the manic anarchist Frederick Winkelkopf, he endeavours to bump off one of his many relatives with hilarious results.

Kay added: “The last time that this play was performed by the society was in June 1992.”

Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime Dixon Studio, Palace Theatre, Westcliff Wednesday, July 15, to Saturday, July 18.

7.30pm. Saturday matinee, 2.30pm £11. Wed night and Sat matinee, £9 01702 351135

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