The Entertainer by John Osborne presents Archie Rice as a tragic figure whose dwindling music-hall career mirrors the decay of his personal life and, symbolically, the decline of imperial England. The play juxtaposes scenes from Archie's failing domestic sphere with his equally unsuccessful stage performances, using this to reflect on broader societal changes. This narrative captures the essence of post-war disillusionment and the fading grandeur of traditional British entertainment.

Archie Rice: The Fallen Performer

Archie Rice, the central character in Osborne's play, embodies the decline of the music hall, a once-vibrant institution central to urban working-class culture. Music halls, in their heyday, served as a bastion of populist entertainment, eschewing intellectual or "highbrow" content. However, by the 1950s, cinema and television had supplanted these venues, leaving figures like Archie performing stale routines before uninterested audiences. Archie’s role as a warm-up act for a tawdry striptease underscores the art form's degeneration.

The Rice Family: A Portrait of Dysfunction

The dysfunctional Rice family mirrors the deteriorating music hall. Archie, as the head of this disjointed household, is apathetic and self-involved, frequently mocking his ailing father, Billy, who resides with them in their shabby apartment. His wife, Phoebe, is trapped in a cycle of alcoholism, resorting to frequent cinema visits to escape the reality of Archie's infidelity. The events unfold in 1956, against the backdrop of the Suez Crisis, a period marked by national uncertainty and political turmoil, further echoing the family's instability.

The Children: Products of a Fractured Home

Archie and Phoebe's children are emblematic of youthful disillusionment. Their elder son, Frank, is a conscientious objector, recently released from prison after serving time for his beliefs, and now juggles two menial jobs. Mick, their younger son, has responded to the call for military service in Cyprus but ends up captured and made a prisoner of war. Jean, Archie’s daughter from a previous marriage, shows a glimmer of independence by rejecting her conservative boyfriend, though she remains emotionally fragile, often retreating into gin-induced stupors. The familial discord is evident as they navigate their lives in isolation, failing to connect or truly engage with one another.

Tragedy and Loss

The play reaches its emotional peak when news arrives that Mick, initially thought to be safe and returning home, has tragically died. This devastating blow is compounded by the looming funeral of Billy, whose brief return to the stage was orchestrated by Archie in a misguided attempt to revive his own career. In the play's closing scene, Archie's final performance is haunted by the presence of a tax collector, representing the consequences of his dishonesty, ready to claim him. Phoebe stands by him, yet there is no redemption or reassurance of a brighter future for their marriage. Osborne paints a grim picture of both the Rice family's future and the declining status of England on the world stage.

Olivier's Impact on Osborne's Work

One remarkable facet of The Entertainer was the involvement of Sir Laurence Olivier, a towering figure in British theatre, who portrayed Archie Rice in the original London production. Previously, Osborne had gained notoriety with Look Back in Anger, challenging the British establishment's norms. Olivier's decision to participate in the play was noteworthy, as he was a prominent member of that very establishment. His powerful and realistic portrayal of Archie elevated the production to a critical and commercial success, transferring to London's West End and eventually adapted into a successful film. With this, Osborne transitioned from a rebellious newcomer to an integral part of the theatrical establishment.