Oscar Wilde’s deliciously dark comedy Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime receives a witty and energetic staging at the Genesian Theatre, offering audiences a thoroughly enjoyable evening of ironic twists and farcical turns.
Leading the production with aplomb is Brock Cramond as the well-meaning but hapless Lord Arthur. Cramond’s performance is defined by impeccable comedic timing and a masterful command of facial expression—his wide-eyed panic, furrowed brows, and bewildered glances are a show in themselves. His ability to shift from composed nobility to flustered schemer breathes life into Wilde’s satire of upper-class morality, anchoring the play in both humor and humanity.
Oliver Harcourt Ham gives a standout performance as Baines, Arthur’s loyal and increasingly incredulous valet. Ham’s portrayal is quietly commanding, exuding a dry wit and subtle expressiveness that beautifully complement the broader comic beats of the play. His chemistry with Cramond creates many of the evening’s funniest moments, and his measured delivery offers a perfect foil to the escalating absurdity of the plot.
As Sybil Merton, Catherine Layard brings grace, poise, and a gentle wit to the stage. Her eloquent depiction of Lord Arthur’s fiancée captures both the idealism and romanticism Wilde lampoons, while still offering the character an inner strength and charm that make her more than a mere ingénue. Layard’s performance grounds the chaos with clarity and conviction.
The entire cast shines in this wonderfully absurd tale of murder, fate, and misguided morality. The ensemble’s sharp timing, lively pace, and commitment to character elevate Wilde’s story of preposterous crime and social decorum into an evening of elegant hilarity. Director and cast have embraced the play’s inherent irony with a lightness of touch that makes it feel fresh and delightfully relevant.
A charming production that balances farce with finesse, Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime at the Genesian Theatre is a comic treat—not to be missed.
Playing at Genesian Theatre, 2B Gordon Street, Rozelle
26th April - 7th June 2025
https://genesiantheatre.com.au
Reviewed by: Sarah Wilson