Lord Loam is a somewhat unusual example of the aristocracy. Believing the divisions in British society to be entirely artificial, he enjoys subverting the norm during monthly tea-parties at Loam Hall, forcing his three rather superior daughters and his well-to-do guests to mingle with the servants as equals - to everyone's profound embarrassment. Read more …
His butler, Crichton, who espouses altogether more traditional views, is naturally appalled by his master's radical opinions. For Crichton, there is a natural order to things in the life of a stately home, which should never be upset. For Crichton, there must always be masters and there must always be servants.
But what if the circumstances were to change?
When disaster strikes during a tropical cruise, the Loam family are marooned on a desert island with a group of friends and servants – including, of course, Crichton – and survival becomes the name of the game. In such a desperate situation, strong leadership is needed. And, in time, a leader does indeed emerge. But not, perhaps, the one that was expected.
The Pitlochry ensemble, seventeen strong in this production, pulls together to create a rewarding production.
In an age when the British class system sadly seems more entrenched than a generation ago, though, this is a timely and immensely worthwhile production, graced with two fine leading performances from Dougal Lee as Crichton and Helen Mallon as Lady Mary and by an excellent Alan Steele as Barrie himself, disturbed and shaken by the truth his deft dramatic structure has brought to light.
Pitlochry Festival Theatre, Pitlochry from Saturday June 14, 2014, until Wednesday October 15, 2014. More info: www.pitlochry.org.uk
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