Review: Sheppey at the Orange Tree

"...a subtly shaded but richly rewarding festive treat." Says Amanda Hodges. 4 STARS

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A kind-hearted barber wins big on the Irish Sweepstakes and decides to spend his winnings not – to the consternation of friends and family – by living the high life but simply by embracing the Biblical idea of helping his fellow man and using his money to aid the destitute and poor.

It’s not a recent news story but the subject of Somerset Maugham’s final play, written in 1933 and still all too relevant today. Maugham sets up his tale of one man’s personal Epiphany well, opening with a humorous scene showing the genial Sheppey at work in the affluent environment of a Jermyn Street salon. It’s here that a man who considers himself ‘born lucky’ receives the news of a big win and sets in motion events which will turn his world upside down.

There’s much satirical wit in Maugham’s bittersweet drama, much of it at the expense of a selfish society which firmly believes in the creed but certainly not the practice of the Gospels, Christianity’s precepts of altruism and philanthropy being something viewed with the highest suspicion.

Sheppey’s wife is ready to support his benevolent approach but his more materialistic daughter Florrie and her ambitious schoolteacher fiancé Ernie (both beautifully played by Katie Moore and Josh Dylan) are horrified at the prospect of seeing money distributed to the poor and needy. Even Sheppey’s doctor is deeply sceptical, convinced his patient’s charitable impulses must really be the sign of madness for, as he declares it, ‘a sane man doesn’t give…he takes from the poor!’

Maugham presents the barber as a generous humanitarian baffled by everyone’s virulent opposition to his plans. By no means is it a straightforward tale either as some of the folk Sheppey tries to help are wary of his charity and the play’s conclusion, whilst poignant and heartfelt, dodges clear resolution. It’s a really satisfying and original drama though in most respects, given scintillating focus in Paul Miller’s superb revival, the first time, astonishingly, that there’s been a major production of it for over fifty years.  

There are so many contemporary parallels with its portrait of a society preaching compassion but all too often undermined by self-interest and it’s anchored by a first-class performance from John Ramm as the misunderstood barber.  

Dark in hue though it may be, Maugham’s story of one man’s thwarted philanthropy means it’s actually the perfect play for this time of year, a subtly shaded but richly rewarding festive treat.

Sheppey is at the Orange Tree Theatre until January 7, for tickets visit orangetreetheatre.co.uk

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