Show: Orton – Fallen Angel
Location: Epstein Theatre, Liverpool
Date: Friday March 4 2023
Time: 20.00
Running Time: 90 Minutes
Age Rating: 18+
This is our theatre review for Orton – Fallen Angel at Liverpool‘s Epstein Theatre. So, let’s take a look at Orton – Fallen Angel!
Orton – Fallen Angel
Background Of Orton – Fallen Angel
This new play from Grin Theatre Company re-imagines the turbulent relationship between the iconic gay writer Joe Orton and his partner Kenneth Halliwell.
Based on true events and incidents the play explores their lives together and what eventually tore them apart. Their love affair had a vicious life of its own that led to an act of violence that no one could have predicted.
The play includes very strong language, scenes of a sexual nature, nudity, moderate violence and references to suicide and mental health.
Analysis Of Orton – Fallen Angel
It’s a sordid, torturous dynamic no doubt familiar to us all. You’ve either been there yourself or ogled from the gods at close proximity. This show is an uncompromising portrayal of the perils of selfish youth and the constant frustration of lopsided, unrequited attachment. So, the hook of this production was hinged on the crispness of its dialogue. Not forgetting the swagger and bombast which the conservative cast of four delivered.
From the outset, this was an obvious biopic of Joe Orton. But the production effectively functioned as a blunt character study on the selfish ugliness of the human form. It also shines a light on the familiar folly of age-gap relationships within the gay community. The play is a simmering mesh of resentment, possession, entitlement and even despair.
Elements
There was a simplistic production design consisting of a black backdrop and four chairs across the stage. This afforded the audience the ability to place their full concentration on the complex character dynamics on display. So, one understandably assumes that it’s a no-frills experience. But thankfully, the last of glitter and aesthetics needn’t have worried me.
Now, the title implies that Joe Orton is front and centre. But it’s inevitably his starry-eyed and foggy-minded lover who commands the limelight. It’s painful to observe the comic farce that is the flagrant insecurity and subservience of Orton’s devoted lover Kenneth. So too Orton’s nonchalant disregard for his erratic sensitivities. We’ve seen it all before and will no doubt witness it in the flesh again.
Summary Of Orton – Fallen Angel
I came away from Orton – Fallen Angel feeling very deeply that I knew Joe Orton all too well. As well as many Joe Ortons who have since followed and will no doubt follow in the future.
Notes
Target Audience: 18+
Content: Very Strong Language, Scenes Of A Sexual Nature, Nudity, Moderate Violence & References To Suicide & Mental Health
Recommendation?: Yes
