Skye Corewijn takes on The Butler and finds a hilariously cut throat commentary on how ridiculous civilised society sometimes is.
There is no leisurely walk to The Pleasance Theatre as I push my way out of the cruel tube station. Running up the road, I fly to the box office completely out of breath panting; “Please tell me I’m not too late?” Victory is mine as I quietly take my seat, cussing London’s transport system under my breath. What I see on stage fascinates through complete oddity and visual spectacle – my race to The Butler immediately seems worth the effort.
Directed by Mike Friend and written by author and columnist Joe Bennet, The Butler has achieved raging success in New Zealand and now takes on the London theatre scene. It's performed by a talented and eclectic mix of performers from the Loons Circus Theatre Company. The cast includes acrobatic twins, a Guinness world record holder and a loon, to name but a few. This mish-mash is evident in a show which not only takes one by total surprise but also lures you to a world where dinner guests are far from average and nothing is quite what it seems.
A race is not just a race; a question is not just a question, and drinking a glass of wine? Well, that’s an exploit altogether weird and wondrous. The introduction is absolutely bizarre and one isn't quite sure what to think; but all soon becomes clear-ish. Nothing is terribly clear cut you see – there is definite scope for personal interpretation. It is a breathtaking feat of acrobatics, design and lighting, all paired with a decidedly dark and offbeat mood. Animalistic figures make their way hither and thither, dressing the Butler and readying the room for dinner.
The Butler is a solitary and solemn character, who having "seen the dance of dinner" time and again, critiques human behaviour and the social shell we all wear via poetic narration and stinging sarcasm. Guests of the party don crazed faces, stylised personae and create a sometimes giggle-worthy, sometimes shock-filled response from the audience. At times utterly outrageous, the underlying truth disturbs through the show’s amusement. The performers are masters of manoeuvring and their jaw dropping circus-injected feats are glorious to observe. After an interval, the rather raunchy and deliciously politically incorrect second half commences.
Attending The Butler there is one important thing you need to bring with you and that is an open mind. It is a refreshing and gasp-inducing piece of theatre. If you revel in the bizarre and outrageous – it is most certainly a must see. It's a hilariously cut throat commentary on how ridiculous civilised society sometimes is, and the useless "indifference" our world is plagued with. Nothing is said, but everything is implied through a minimal script and amazing acrobatics. It's a cleverly crafted visual spectacular.
The Butler runs at Pleasance Theatre until 30th July
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