Curve Announces New Production Of WHAT THE BUTLER SAW

Orton's last play, completed just a month before his untimely death and never seen by Orton himself, is a comic masterpiece reminiscent of Oscar Wilde's witticisms, with the craftsmanship of a French farce and spiked with Orton's trademark dark humour and unmistakable subversive glee.

Curve Chief Executive Chris Stafford and Artistic Director Nikolai Foster said in a joint statement:

"Joe Orton's view of the world was utterly unique and his perspectives revelatory and provocative. In the 50th anniversary year since his death, we are thrilled to be presenting this magnificent comedy in our 900 seat theatre and hugely excited to welcome Rufus Hound back to Curve, after he opened the national tour of One Man Two Guvnors with us. We look forward to sharing Orton's unique voice and anarchic wit with audiences here in Leicester and Bath."

Comedian and actor Rufus Hound (One Man, Two Guvnors, RSC's Don Quixote, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels) plays sex-obsessed psychiatrist Dr Prentice, who attempts to seduce his prospective secretary in a hilarious, innuendo-fuelled interview. Dakota Blue Richards (Golden Compass, ITV's Endeavor, Arcadia and Stella in Curve's Streetcar Named Desire) returns to play Geraldine, the naïve target of his advances. But when Dr Prentice's carnally-crazed wife calls in unexpectedly, his clinic becomes a hotbed of heightened sexual tension, mistaken identity and exquisite bad taste.

Further casting to be announced.

www.curveonline.co.uk