John Maddison Morton’s 1853 Farce A Desperate Game brings Old-School Wit to the ATA
Mid-19th Century Playwright John Maddison Morton was a prolific creator—he is best known for the chaotic comedy Box and Cox, and its musical version, humorously retitled Cox and Box. But his work has not been known to see revival on a regular basis. Thank goodness we have the American Theatre of Actors to rescue voices like his and bring them new life almost two centuries later.
A Desperate Game was first performed at the Theatre Royal Adelphi on April 9, 1853. It’s a brief, breezy one act, almost functioning as a prototype for the televised situation comedies of the following century. It concerns a certain Mrs. Somerton (Stephanie Sottile), a now-wealthy widow who finds herself in a love triangle with two suitors, Captain Ratcliffe (Ted Doyle) and Percy Postlewaite (Paul Maurizio). In this re-imagining Ratcliffe appears almost zorro-like at Mrs. Somerton’s home, disguised in a black mask with matching hat and outfit. The intruder is confronted by servant David (Alex Silverman), here speaking in a comic, almost Don-Knotts like voice, adding to the sitcom feel of the production.
“I must get rid of this fellow,” says Ratcliffe, in one of many humorous asides to the audience.
“Now listen here DAVID, there’s nothing that offends me more, DAVID, then familiarity in a servant…DAVID!” the captain seethes, adding more contempt to his voice with each “David.” David mistakes Ratcliffe for “that simpleton” Percy (as Ratcliffe puts it), whose arrival was expected, and Ratcliffe takes advantage of the confusion to enter Mrs. Somerton’s home to await her return from a lavish party. When the real Percy arrives, he is quickly locked in a room by Ratcliffe, who hides when Mrs. Somerton appears with devoted servant Patrick (Charles Kennedy IV)—taking the place of housekeeper “Peggy” of the original play. When Ratcliffe and Somerton finally meet, it becomes clear that his motive for wooing her is mainly to do with her new-found wealth. The two verbally spar as the flummoxed Percy hilariously bangs on the door and comments helplessly on proceedings, apparently unheard by the others as Ratcliffe makes a “proposal” (of sorts), with both pistol and receipt in tow.
“…You allowed me to be robbed?” shouts Mrs. Somerton at Percy when she finally becomes aware of his captive presence and lets him out.
“You allowed yourself to be robbed,” Percy retorts back.
“And you did nothing.”
“I beg your pardon,” Percy replies calmly, “I looked on in silent astonishment.”
Well-realized by Sottile, Mrs. Somerton is a very independent woman who does not suffer fools gladly, be they potential love interests or not. The desperate game of the title begins, referring to the clumsy, oft-hilarious battle of Ratcliffe and Percy as they try to win her. The tropes of mistaken identity, foolhardy schemes and absurdist comedy abound, leading to an “all’s well” resolution that again points to the wacky comedies of 100 years later. The delightfully clever humor and wordplay that Morton was expert at are in full force here, and performed with relish by the cast.
Directed stylishly by John DeBenedetto, A Desperate Game is a splendid entry in the classical season of the American Theatre of Actors as it celebrates its 50th year. It runs at the Beckmann Theatre at the ATA through May 31, 2026.
Arts Independent 