By Joe Orton
Directed by Braham
Murray
16 May - 23 June
The first production of Joe Orton's LOOT featuring Kenneth Williams as Inspector Truscott fell foul of pressurised re-writes, petty infighting, irate audiences and the censor. The tour floundered badly and no London theatre would take the production. Orton's reputation and energy were severely dented but the play was thrown a lifeline - in Manchester.
The Century Theatre was to re-stage the play. Director Braham Murray worked with Orton on re-writes and reinstated the cuts imposed by the Lord Chamberlain. Under the watchful eye of the police stationed in the stalls, the new production opened in Manchester on 11 April 1966. Second time around, LOOT was a triumph: it went on to a successful London run, winning Play of the Year, and sealing Orton's reputation. Now, thirty five years later, Braham Murray is re-directing the play - again in Manchester - with Derek Griffiths as Truscott of the Yard.
Irreverent, amoral and bizarre, LOOT is a tour de force of bad taste and high farce. Combining Wildean one-liners with a highly polished and fiendishly logical plot, it is a hilarious satire on bereavement, authority and British moral values - not even the Women's Voluntary Service is safe. The play features one of Orton's finest comic creations in Inspector Truscott, the long and twisted arm of the law who is a master of terrifying logic and arbitrary justice.
CASTING
TRUSCOTT Derek Griffiths
McLEAVY Colin Prockter
FAY Gabrielle Drake
HAL Robin Laing
DENNIS Daniel Bowers
MEADOWS Toby Hadoke
Director Braham Murray
Designer Johanna Bryant
Lighting Michael Williams
Fights Renny Krupinski
Dialect Coach William Conacher
Company Manager Louise Tischler
Stage Manager Martin Hinkins
Deputy Stage Manager Tracey Fleet
Assistant Stage Manager Tamara Albachari