The first performance of Arthur Pinero’s The Magistrate premiered almost exactly 139 years ago, on the 21st March 1885, and was so successful that it ran for a year. It seems apt for a revival to celebrate both the centenary (being set in 1986), and the opening date (well… close enough)! Under the direction of Charlie Vicary, this production by Studio Theatre Club is a rip roaring, unstoppable farce, chock full of surprisingly relatable, comical interactions and one-liners alike.
Agatha Farringdon is widowed in her mid-thirties, with a 19-year-old son. She finds love again with Aeneas Posket, a Magistrate, but rashly decides to knock 5 years off both her and her son’s ages, reducing him to a mere boy of 14. Cis (the son) is unsurprisingly ‘advanced’ for his age, well versed in drinking, gambling and the art of wooing! He deftly convinces Aeneas, his new stepfather, to accompany him on a secret boozy night out. At the same time, his mother learns that Cis’ Godfather (Group Captain Lukyn) is set to dine with the Posket’s the very next evening. She sets forth into the rainy night with her sister Charlotte, to seek out Lukyn in order to ensure he does not reveal Cis’ true age to her husband. Hijinks ensue, with several of the cast finding themselves in the
Staging throughout The Magistrate is simple yet elegant, with each setting containing more than enough to accurately express the given scenario. There are some very clever uses of the upstage area and balcony which all help to keep the audience on their toes. Scene changes also have an added sparkle, with short interjections by the cast, picked out with a bright spotlight. The lighting (by Rory Morisson) is otherwise naturalistic and inobtrusive. Mike Macdonald is to be praised for the stage management, especially given his ability to ensure a multitude of props appear exactly when they are supposed to.
The 1980’s costumes and contemporary pop soundtrack fit seamlessly into the action, adding amusing visual/auditory elements, and enhancing characterisation. Francesca Richards does a fabulous job matching costumes to the cast, and the sound management by Anna Wilson is perfectly balanced.
Ben Winters is stellar as Aeneas Posket (the Magistrate), coming across as humble, trusting and unintentionally hilarious, with his confusion conveyed through vibrant expressions and dialogue alike. At home, Posket is ably assisted by servant Wyke, a relatively small role which is passionately enacted by Jon Shepherd. Mr Wormington, a clerk of the magistrates’ court, is supportive and genial in the hands of Jamie Crowther.
Agatha Posket (Natasha Fenston) is commanding and spirited while her unmarried sister, Charlotte Verrinder (Avery Robinson) is sensitive, yet vivacious. Sreya Rao takes on the role of the young Cis Farringdon with energetic relish, delivering a gleefully rambunctious performance. The smitten dance instructor, Beatie Tomlinson, is played by Jessica Edney, with an innocent, yet determined adoration. Her advances on Cis are fiercely rebuffed by a slighted Emma Popham, the house maid (Helen Drought).
Stephen Briggs is high-spirited and spunky as Group Captain Lukyn, with some particularly amusing interchanges taking place between Lukyn and Flight Lieutenant Vale (Ross McGookin). Both actors dextrously trade phrases with ease.
Matt Kirk demonstrates characteristic versatility by taking on two roles: the anxious, Jujube guzzling Bullamy, and dazzlingly outlandish Achille Blonde (manager of the Hotel des Princes). Kat Steiner becomes a dutiful, beautifully accented Isadore (a waiter at the hotel).
Kath Leighton is reticent and insightful as Inspector Messiter, helped (or hindered) by the charmingly inexperienced Constable Harris (Lindsay Rolland). Sgt Lugg (Neil Fisher) appears suitably discontented and weary, frustrated by his feisty prisoners.
The Magistrate is in session nightly until Saturday 23rd March 2024, and Studio Theatre Club invite you to examine the exhilarating evidence first hand. With accomplished direction and an animated cast, it would be crime to miss this uproarious production!