Sheppey, Somerset Maugham’s sardonic comedy, a modern morality play rooted in the 1929 slump and addressing the suffering of the poor, is successfully revived at Orange Tree Theatre, Richmond. When he was writing it in 1933, Maugham knew that it wouldn’t be popular with West End audiences, and he was right. The Christian message – give to the poor and love thy neighbour – did not appeal and it ran for just 83 performances.
Sheppey, a Cockney barber, is a friendly, good-humoured, generous but naïve sort of chap who wants everybody to be happy. The role was created by the young Ralph Richardson and played by Bob Hoskins on television in 1980. Paul Miller’s admirable production is the first since then. And what better time to revive Maugham’s satire than during the festive season, with good will towards all men?
