Loot: the not-so-shocking farce
Want to read spiked ad-free? Become a spiked supporter.
Loot, the dark farce written by murdered playwright Joe Orton, celebrates its fiftieth anniversary this year. To mark the occasion, the Lincoln Company has brought a new revival to the Fringe. The plot follows young thieves Hal and Dennis who, in the run up to Hal’s mother’s funeral, concoct a plan to stash their ill-gotten gains in the coffin. As Inspector Truscott arrives to investigate, farce ensues.
While the play’s jabs at Catholicism and the police were outrageous in 1965, they are thoroughly un-edgy to a modern-day audience. However, the production still holds together well; the Lincoln Company’s young cast are a fine ensemble, and, as with the best of farces, the laughs come faster as the play goes on.
Christian Butler is a writer and musician based in London.
Loot is at C Venues – C until 31 August.
Who funds spiked? You do
We are funded by you. And in this era of cancel culture and advertiser boycotts, we rely on your donations more than ever. Seventy per cent of our revenue comes from our readers’ donations – the vast majority giving just £5 per month. If you make a regular donation – of £5 a month or £50 a year – you can become a and enjoy:
–Ad-free reading
–Exclusive events
–Access to our comments section
It’s the best way to keep spiked going – and growing. Thank you!
Comments
Want to join the conversation?
Only spiked supporters and patrons, who donate regularly to us, can comment on our articles.