Habeas Corpus, by Alan Bennett.
11th - 14th March 2009 at The Tynemouth Prioty Theatre.
Directed by Liz Purcell.
The play set in the 1960's, focuses on a manic day in the life of Arthur Wicksteed, a respectable GP in his fifties, slightly bemused and bored with life and his wife Muriel, who becomes rather unstuck when beautiful young Felicity Rumpers calls in for an examination. His sister (a flat-chested spinster) engaged to Canon Throbbing (a saucy vicar) dreams of large breasts, and orders some in a box, not anticipating a salesman is likely to come and fit them!. Meanwhile Arthur's son Dennis, is convinced he has only 3 months to live.
The term 'habeas corpus' translated means 'you have the body', and Arthur Wicksteed certainly believes Felicity to have the most beautiful body! The whole story is delivered to us by the all-seeing, all-knowing housekeeper to the Wicksteed's - Mrs Swabb who's brilliant one-liners to the audience will have you in stitches!
The theatre company are pleased to welcome back Liz Purcell as Director for this production; it's a play Liz wanted to do for a while. As well as directing, Liz is playing thew role of Muriel Wicksteed. Muriel is Arthur's wife and to best describe her - think of a randy Hyacinth Bucket!
With a succession of colourful and dynamic characters this 'Carry On...' style farce is full of lust and longing of the 60's permissive society but as English as a seaside postcard. You'll find all the classic theatrical ingredients of double entendres and mistaken identities which make for a great night out!