[18
OCT 00] BELGRADE THEATRE REVIEW - ENTERTAINING MR SLOANE
A Very
Entertaining Mr Sloane
REVIEW BY
HELEN COTTERILL
This
is a gem of a part for an actress. Alison Steadman joins a succession
of memorable past performers of the role, including Beryl Reid, Sheila
Hancock and, in her pre Allo Allo days, Carmen Silvera.
Steadman,
who specialises in the comedic, larger-than-life role, fits
comfortably into the portrayal of the love-hungry, middle-aged
nymphet.
She
is ably assisted by Clive Francis and Brian Pringle, a trio of
dominant stage presence's, who overwhelm the young Mr Sloane, played
with fitting self-effacement by Andrew Howard.
This
was one of the most important plays of the sixties which shocked and
amused audiences with its startling story and wicked humour.
Much
of the shock value has been lost in the 36 years since Joe Orton's
play was first performed at London's Art Centre Club, with overt sex
and homosexual leanings now 'acceptable'.
This
is no bad thing, as it allows you to savour the lasting features: the
subtle undercurrents, the ever-fresh
humour and the joy of life bubbling up through the surface
slime.
Modern
audiences have come to expect an appropriate 'flash' from the mature
seductress; and Steadman does not disappoint, as she appears before
the hapless Mr Sloane in a see-through negligee.
Throughout
the play, she adds much entertainment with her random switching
between a voice of cockney cackle to a variation of Mrs Slocombe posh.
The
set design mirrors the stagnant, claustrophobic lives of the
characters and the lighting is used to great effect to echo the swings
in mood.
This
is an outstanding theatrical event and should not be missed.
Until:
Saturday 21 October
Running
time 2 hr 20 min
Tickets
from £6 to £18
Box
office 024 7655 3055
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