Entertaining Mr Sloane
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Entertaining Mr Sloane is a play by Joe Orton. It was first presented in London at the New Arts Theatre on 6 May 1964 by Michael Codron Ltd and at Wyndham's Theatre on 29 June 1964 by Michael Codron and Albery.
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[edit] Plot
The play opens with Mr Sloane, who is looking for accommodation from Kath. Kath obliges, but it is clear that her real motive for taking Mr Sloane on as a boarder is that she is attracted to him. Sloane soon faces problems however when Kath's father Kemp realises that Sloane murdered his boss some time ago. Sloane treats Kemp aggressively when they are alone, and eventually causes his death. The situation becomes even more complex when Kath's over-bearing brother Ed appears on the scene. Kath assumes that he will not be pleased about Sloane staying for fear of her forming a relationship with him, but on the contrary it is clear from the beginning that Ed also has feelings for Sloane, and so he employs him as his driver.
The play ends with Sloane being forced to choose between living with Kath (who by now he has impregnated), or the jealous Ed. In the end, Kath and Ed reach a compromise, agreeing to cover up Kemp's murder, and sharing Sloane, with one having him living with them exclusively for a few months, then the other.
There are other peculiarities throughout the play. For example, Kath reveals that she has already given birth once before, and gave the child away to an orphanage. The child would now be about Sloane's age. Sloane also was an orphan. Whether Sloane is Kath's son however is never made clear. The relationship between Sloane and Ed is also unclear. It is clear that they like each other but the extent of this is concealed.
The play is full of what could be considered sexual innuendo; this leaves the play up to the audience to interprete.
[edit] Casts
[edit] 1964 Cast
- Kath: Madge Ryan
- Sloane: Dudley Sutton
- Kemp: Kenkennif
- Ed: Peter Vaughan
- Directed by Patrick Dromgoole
- Designed by Timothy O'Brien
- Costumes supervised by Tazeena Firth
[edit] 1965 Broadway Cast
Entertaining Mr Sloane opened at the Lyceum Theatre on October 12, 1965 and closed after just 13 performances.
- Kath: Sheila Hancock
- Ed: Lee Montague
- Sloane: Dudley Sutton
- The Dadda: George Turner
- Directed by Alan Schneider
- Designed by William Ritman
- Costume design by William Ritman
[edit] 1975 Cast
Entertaining Mr Sloane was revived as part of the 'Joe Orton Festival' at the Royal Court Theatre, London, on April 17, 1975, subsequently transferring to the Duke of York's Theatre. The cast was as follows:
- Kath: Beryl Reid
- Sloane: Malcolm McDowell
- Kemp: James Ottaway
- Ed: Ronald Fraser
- Directed by Roger Croucher
- Designed by John Gunter
- Costumes supervised by Deirdre Clancy
[edit] 2006 Cast
Currently (2006) in production by the Roundabout Theatre Company on the Laura Pels stage. Director: Scott Ellis. The design team for Entertaining Mr. Sloane includes Allen Moyer (sets), Michael Krass (costumes), Ken Posner (lights) and John Gromada (original music and sound).
- Ed: Alec Baldwin
- Sloane: Chris Carmack
- Kath: Jan Maxwell
- Kemp: Richard Easton
[edit] 2007 Cast
In production as a part of the 2007 season for the Melbourne Theatre Company at the Fairfax Theatre, Melbourne Arts Centre in Melbourne, Australia. Director: Simon Phillips. Designed by Shaun Gorton. Music by David Chesworth.
- Ed: Richard Piper
- Sloane: Ben Guerens
- Kath: Amanda Muggleton
- Kemp: Bob Hornery
[edit] See also
- Entertaining Mr Sloane (film) - film based on the play.
