"God's gift to the lecher; the Second World War": Habeas Corpus Week 8

Habeas Corpus

The only comical, high-jinks production this term, Habeas Corpus is an energetic and farcical exploration of sexual relations elucidating the promiscuities of the 1960s.

Throughout the play, relationships are kindled, rediscovered and revealed to spouses and lovers, making for a very entertaining set of events. The play centres on Dr Arthur Wicksteed, his family, new-found and long-lost acquaintances.

Laura Henderson as Mrs Swabb, the narrator who represents the lower classes and contributes to the irony of the play as a critique on the twisted morality of the middle classes, gives an exuberant performance here, with a consistent exaggerated accent making her character both amusing and thoroughly convincing. Think Dinnerladies starring Victoria Wood, add a touch more nosiness, a sprinkle more irony and you're approaching something like this character.

Think Dinnerladies starring Victoria Wood, add a touch more nosiness, a sprinkle more irony and there you're approaching the character of the narrator.

The sexually frustrated Muriel, wife of Arthur, is mistaken for her sister in law by Denzil Shanks - whose trade involves providing flat-chested women with fake breasts – and takes Shanks’ interest in her chest area to be an extremely cheeky come-on.

Susie Mason, who makes the most of her character’s promiscuity and sexual restlessness, plays Muriel energetically. This case of mistaken identity becomes more hilarious still when an old flame of Muriel’s appears on the scene – Sir Percy Shorter.

Now president of the British Medical Association, Percy is played with a smugness and self-satisfied air well portrayed by Gethin James. His inferior arch-rival in both love and profession, Dr. Wicksteed, is played by Mark Smith. Once again taking a medical role, Smith’s timing of Wicksteed’s rhyming soliloquies was spot-on; just right to provide a well-rounded view of a multifaceted character.

Occasionally, the actors tripped upon words making some sections a little disjointed. This was quickly rectified however, as the cast utilised the fantastic script put before them.

Direction was cleverly done to highlight the farcical elements of the word-play, reinforcing the carry-on atmosphere with tremendous skill. The brilliant lights and sounds provided the war-time effects necessary for the satirically dramatic sections of this production. These sections highlighted a moral undertone to the mainly farcical atmosphere. The invisible mirror placed in the corner of the room provided one such undertone that hinted at the theme of self-perception.

This is the only play this term that has had me crying with laughter. So, get yourself down to the Drama Barn for some fun, frolics and a little knicker-flashing.

If you are looking to lighten the load of burgeoning essays and presentations, then see this play for some carry-on style relief. This is the only play this term that has had me crying with laughter. So, get yourself down to the Drama Barn for some fun, frolics and a little knicker-flashing. All you need for a hilariously naughty night-out.

Habeas Corpus is showing week 8 Thursday to Sunday in the Drama Barn. Doors open at 7.30 and tickets are available on the door. Arrive early to avoid disappointment.

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