Episode 107: Entertaining Mr Sloane by Joe Orton

Host: Douglas Schatz
Guest: Dr Emma Parker

Welcome to The Play Podcast where we explore the greatest new and classic plays. Each episode we choose a single play to talk about in depth with our expert guest. We'll discuss the play's origins, its themes, characters, structure and impact. For us the play is the thing.

Joe Orton's black comedy Entertaining Mr Sloane offended many established critics when it premiered in 1964. Orton's first full-length play signalled the arrival of a unique new voice, defined by its anarchic farce, camp sexuality, and faux-refined language, like a ramped-up Oscar Wilde let loose in the emerging age of free love. The play's first production was promoted with ads warning that it was "not for the narrow minded".

I have long wanted to cover Orton on the podcast, and I was prompted to start with this play by the recent revival staged at the Young Vic theatre in London. I am delighted to welcome Orton enthusiast and expert, Dr Emma Parker, to help me explore Orton's provocative farce.