George Bernard Shaw’s sharp-toothed comedy about London’s desperate housing issues is perhaps even more relevant today than it was 120 years ago, bringing together naivety, greed and exploitation in a class-driven Victorian setting.
Widower’s Houses, Bernard Shaw’s first play, tells the story of aristocratic young doctor Harry Trench, who falls in love with beautiful Blanche Sartorius while holidaying in Europe.
Harry must ask permission from Blanche’s father before he can marry her, but is shocked to find out Mr Sartorius made his fortune as a landlord in the capital, exploiting the poor and needy.
Alex Waldmann, who plays Harry, says the story of the capital’s poor exploited by wealthier landlords is depressingly relevant in contemporary London.
The Royal Shakespeare Company actor says: "Some things never change, and the problems are very much the same today."
Waldmann says the most challenging aspect of portraying Harry Trench is taking the character on his personal journey from naive gentleman of privilege to the more world-weary man he becomes by the final act.
He says: "Harry has never had to suffer or see the world as it really is and basically has his eyes opened to the world and how it really works.
"You see him having to grow up and think for himself when he discovers how his potential father-in-law makes his money, which really shakes him."
Waldmann, a friend of Orange Tree Theatre director Paul Miller, recently moved to Petersham from Kentish Town with his wife and two young daughters and says he hopes this performance is the first of many at the venue.
He says: "Moving here has been one of the best things we have ever done.
"I am very excited to be a part of this production, and have wanted to work again with Paul for a very long time."
Widowers’ Houses; Orange Tree Theatre, 1 Clarence Street, Richmond, TW9 2SA; December 17 to January 31, 7.30pm plus Thursdays and Saturdays at 2.30pm (not on Dec 18 to 20), and December 23 and 30, 2.30pm, no performance December 24 to 26 and January 1; £10-20; call 020 8940 0141 or visit orangetreetheatre.co.uk.
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