By Harriet Webster
The fiftieth anniversary production of Joe Orton’s Loot, exhumes this great British comedy in the way that only British farce can. Michael Fentiman has directed this glorious adaptation of a favourite play of Sir Michael Caine, which is running at the Park Theatre until 24th September, and is not to be missed.
Slapstick comedy meets dubious morals in this classic comedy about two best friends, Hal and Dennis, who comically stash their takings from a bank robbery in a coffin, in place of Hal’s recently passed mother. In their attempt to cover up their crime, they acquire the company of Hal’s grieving father, his mother’s gold digging nurse, and a suspicious police officer.
You can’t help but wince and giggle, in equal measure, throughout, with perfectly delivered quips and brilliantly written dark humour, the play is a great laugh-along work of art. Of course, this script was censored by the Lord Chamberlains office half a century ago, and this is the first time we see the full uncensored version performed.
It’s like opening a locked door and finding a treasure trove of riotous farce on the other side.The stage is dark, just like the writing. The lighting is simple, just like Hal. The acting is brilliant; Sam Frenchum and Calvin Demba working well together in the merry-go-round of absurdity. They are nicely supported by a stripped back selection of props. The entire play is staged in one room. Mrs McLeavy’s coffin remains centre stage throughout – the subject of which changes with amusing consequences.
The star of the show has got to be Sinéad Matthews. From the subtle glances through to the excellent delivery of her comical lines. Her command of the audience is brilliant, grabbing their unsuspecting attention throughout.
It’s the perfect tribute to Orton, even if some of the lines and jokes do feel a little tired. Michael Fentiman’s Loot shows that older writing doesn’t have to be dead and buried, but can still be staged with a semblance of originality and flair.
