​The Ruffian on the Stair

Religion, sexuality and relationships underpin this portrayal of working class life in post-war England

​The Ruffian on the Stair

This year marks the 50th anniversary of playwright and author Joe Orton's murder at the hands of his boyfriend, but it also marks the first time The Ruffian on the Stair was staged, at the Royal Court Theatre. If that wasn't enough, it also comes at the 50th anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexuality. So in many ways it was the perfect time to perform this rarely staged play.

Blue Devil Theatre performed it at The Lantern Theatre, an open yet intimate space that allowed the audience to be up close with the actors. This greatly benefitted the performance, as you could then really see the looks of fear or anger displayed.

The story focuses around Mike and Joyce, a couple who struggle financially and appear to also have personal issues. Mike, although claiming benefits, has a job on the side driving a van, while Joyce is an ex-prostitute. One day a stranger turns up claiming to want a room, but it turns out he has much more sinister intentions. The story offers many twists, and leaves quite a few details to the imagination. You don't feel like you can trust everything you're told. We do know that Mike keeps a loaded gun in the cabinet, and we do know that Joyce loves her goldfish.

The stage dressing was simple, contrasting the almost farcical plot and reinforcing the difficult circumstances the couple find themselves in financially. It really worked to keep attention on the acting, setting the scene rather than dominating it; not being too ostentatious or over the top.

On the subject of acting, I found all three actors produced exceptional performances. There was a couple of points where I felt it edged over the line from intense to hammy, but for the most part I was held captivated by the scenes unfurling in front of me. All three had good chemistry, able to produce great comedic moments that I feel were necessary to lift the mood up from some of the more darker sections. The quippy one-liners are thrown out unexpectedly and expertly, catching you completely by surprise.

This play is steeped in historical poignancy, included issues of Roman Catholicism and Protestants, incest, homosexuality, and gender roles and expectations. 50 years on and so many of these themes are still relevant today...

Definitely one to catch!

Author

Tom Inniss

Tom Inniss Voice Team

Tom is the Editor of Voice. He is a politics graduate and holds a masters in journalism, with particular interest in youth political engagement and technology. He is also a mentor to our Voice Contributors, and champions our festivals programme, including the reporter team at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

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2 Comments

  • Luke Taylor

    On 10 May 2017, 09:47 Luke Taylor Contributor commented:

    Woah, this looks like something I could enjoy! Where abouts in Brighton is it being played?

  • Rich Bright

    On 18 May 2017, 09:43 Rich Bright commented:

    On at The Lantern Theatre in Rock Place, BN2 shows on 26th and 27th May at 9:30 and 27th May at 2:30

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