Loot
Joe Orton loved to shock and challenge people, so he’d surely be glad to know some of the black humour in Loot still has the power to raise a few modern eyebrows. Penned by Orton in 1966 during the vibrant era of the Swinging Sixties, “Loot” stands out as one of his most renowned farces.
Half a century later, "Loot" retains its power to astonish and amuse, revolving around a forthcoming funeral, a daring bank heist, a seductive nurse, and a corrupt police officer. The themes of greed, hypocrisy and corruption remain pertinent to this day, reflecting enduring issues within our societal institutions.
As with all farces, the play is characterised by its rapid speed, absurdity, humour, and biting satire. Ad Astra's rendition of Loot is a lively and well-paced production, showcasing their proficiency at delivering great entertainment. Orton's masterful use of language isn’t an easy stretch for every actor and director, so it’s a pleasure to see a cast and crew diving in with gusto.
Under Jennifer Flowers' direction, the play unfolds smoothly, capturing the essence of Joe Orton's witty and chaotic world. The staging, well-planned and executed, proves to be effective. Bill Haycock’s Production Design seamlessly integrates with Ad Astra’s Fortitude Valley based performance space, heightening the audience's absorption into the absurd universe of the play. Even the pre-show music suits the era, further enhancing our immersion.
Iain Gardiner shines as Mr McLeavey, bringing a lovely balance of realism and farce to his role. Steven Grives plays Truscott with a charismatic twinkle in the eye, delivering some fun physical comedy alongside the hilarious dialogue. Jett Robson’s Hal embodies that youthful bravado, tinged with all the insecurities that also come with wanting to appear cool and tough. Fiona Kennedy is a stand-out showing great confidence and wearing the character of Fay like a comfortable glove.
Overall, Ad Astra's production of Loot is a testament to their dedication to the craft, ensuring an enjoyable experience for theatregoers.
Kitty Goodall
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