Paul Miller directs an enjoyable revival of Bernard Shaw’s play, which forces audiences to face unpleasant facts about capitalism. “Middle-class respectability fattening on the poverty of the slime as flies fatten on filth is not a pleasant theme,” said Shaw; but he made certain he was entertaining. Sartorius, the worst slum landlord in London, argues that “When people are poor, you cannot help them, no matter how much you may sympathize with them. It does them more harm in the long run.” He decides to improve his slum property; but only because he has inside information that the Council is going to build a road and he sees an easy way to make a quick fortune from the compensation.
Lickcheese, the rent collector, a pathetic Dickensian figure, shabby, apprehensive and servile, is transformed on his second appearance into a Shavian rogue, smug, rich and provocative in full evening dress, fur-coat and spats. It’s a great comic role and Simon Gregor seizes its opportunities with unabashed relish.