"What the Butler Saw" is a farcical play written by English playwright Joe Orton. The play is one of Orton's most famous works and is known for its witty dialogue, absurd situations, and satirical commentary on social norms and institutions. "What the Butler Saw" was completed in 1967, but unfortunately, Orton was murdered by his partner later that year, shortly before the play's premiere.
The play is set in the office of a psychiatric clinic and revolves around a series of mistaken identities, miscommunications, and chaotic events. The plot follows Dr. Prentice, a psychiatrist, who tries to conceal his extramarital affair with his secretary, Geraldine Barclay. To complicate matters, Mrs. Prentice is also involved in a scheme to conceal her own infidelity. As the characters' secrets unravel, the play spirals into a series of absurd situations involving a government inspector, a cross-dressing policeman, and other quirky characters.
"What the Butler Saw" is characterized by its fast-paced humor, wordplay, and elements of physical comedy. The title itself is a reference to a classic form of joke known as a "double entendre," where a phrase can have a double meaning.
The play is a satirical commentary on various aspects of society, including authority figures, sexual repression, and the absurdity of psychiatric institutions. Joe Orton's writing challenges conventional morality and highlights the hypocrisy and dysfunction that can be found beneath the surface of seemingly respectable individuals and institutions.
"What the Butler Saw" is celebrated for its clever writing, irreverent humor, and its exploration of societal norms and taboos. It remains a notable work in British theatre and continues to be performed and studied for its subversive and thought-provoking content.
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