Poet—and Murderer

New Zealand Listener, Volume 36, Issue 930, 7 June 1957, Page 16

Poet—and Murderer

N the life of the 18th century poet Richard Savage there is ample dramatic material to make an absorbing radio play. He was the acquaintance of the foremost literary men of his day, including Alexander Pope and Dr Johnson, and his life throws much light on their circle. But he was also an imposer, a blackmailer and a murderer. His poetry and plays, although well known in his own time, were quickly forgotten, and it must be said that Savage has, in recent times, been more written about than read. An early 19th century novel was based on his life, and J. M. Barrie collaborated in a play about him. Now Savage is the subject of an NZBS play Poet’s Progress, which will be broadcast on Tuesday, June 11, by 1YC and 3YC (9.30 p.m.), and on Sunday, June 16, by 2YC (8.27 p.m.), and by 4YC (7.24). Written by Robert Gore-Browne and produced in Auckland by Earle Rowell the play is more sympathetic to Savage than history. The story of his life is told in a series of flashbacks arising from the visit of Dr Johnson to Mrs Anne Brett, the former Countess of Macclesfield. Savage had claimed to be her illegitimate son, but she bitterly maintained that her son was dead. Savage himself first appears as a squalling baby and his career takes the listener from the fine homes, theatres and the coffee houses of London to the courts of justice, the taverns, Newgate Prison, and the Bristol gaol, where he died in debt. Poet’s Progress is played by a cast of 26, headed by John Meillon as Savage. Mr Meillon is an Australian actor who recently toured New Zealand in The Reluctant Debutante. Others from the same company taking part are Diana Perryman as Mrs Brett, Patrick Horgan and Edward Brayshaw as two of Savage’s friends, John D’Arcy and Jessica Noad. Among the Aucklanders in the cast are Sidney Musgrove, who plays Dr Johnson, Charles Sinclair, Jock Allen, May Lovatt, Noeline Pritchard and Athol Coats.