Guest PattayaPlayers Posted May 18, 2010 Posted May 18, 2010 The Pattaya Players (home of Pattaya's Professional Amateurs) are proud to announce their summer production entitled, "Loot” on June 11-12, 2010. This full-length play written by Joe Orton and directed by Duane Hauch features a cast of six talented thespians. This classic black comedy promises a laughter-packed evening that rarely errs on the side of either taste or decency -- as sex, religion and unorthodox policing methods combine in a furious, funny and irreverent farce. Hal and Dennis (played by Doug Heron and Chris Parsons respectively) have robbed a bank next door to their undertaker’s quarters - but where should they hide the money? They find the perfect place – the coffin occupied by Hal McLeavy’s recently-deceased mother. She was cared for in her final days by Fay (portrayed by Kavita Lamba), a sexy young nurse with a mysterious past, who is now determined to seduce Mr. McLeavy (Tony Wagsworth), the pious widower. When the eccentric Inspector Truscott of the Yard (Thor Halland) arrives -- mayhem ensues. The controversial life and times of Joe Orton provide an interesting schema for the motivation behind this play's scathing humour. Born in Leicester on New Year's Day 1933, John Kingsley Orton became interested in acting and joined several amateur dramatic societies. He gained entry to RADA (Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts), much to the annoyance of his teacher, who thought he was awful. "She had no taste", Joe was quoted as saying in a 1967 interview. After joining repertory theatre, and embarking on a short-lived, unhappy, marriage, Joe took up writing plays. At the age of 18, Joe met his future lover, Kenneth Halliwell and they lived together in Islington, North London. Joe Orton quickly made a name for himself in playwriting circles, and his works, “Entertaining Mr. Sloane”, “The Ruffian on the Stair”, and “Loot” became huge successes. His lover, however, remained a struggling, unpublished writer. On August 9th 1967, Kenneth Halliwell murdered Joe Orton by repeated hammer blows to the head, and then killed himself with an overdose of tablets. Orton's playwright methodology can be summed up quite nicely in his quote: "In a world run by fools, the writer can only chronicle the doings of fools or their victims. And because the world is a cruel and heartless place, he will be accused of not taking his subject seriously... But laughter is a serious business, and comedy a weapon more dangerous than tragedy. Which is why tyrants treat it with caution." The two evening performances on Friday June 11th and Saturday, June 12th will include a sumptuous roast carvery buffet dinner catered by the renowned chefs at The White Horse Tavern in Grand Eastern Palace Hotel. All tickets for adults and children will be 1,000 Baht (inclusive of dinner but exclusive of beverages). Tickets can be purchased through any Pattaya Players board member, by e-mailing pattayaplayers@gmail.com or by stopping by the Eastern Grand Palace Hotel lobby or White Horse Tavern on Soi Kao Talo. Seating is limited, but if space allows, tickets will also be available at the door each day of the production. Quote
Guest Posted May 18, 2010 Posted May 18, 2010 This sounds fantastic. Someone please remind me a week before and I'll pin this to the top. However, I expect they will sell out much before so you had better get your tickets fast. Quote
Guest fountainhall Posted May 25, 2010 Posted May 25, 2010 Joe Orton's murder was one of the great tragedies for theatre. His work is original, entertaining, witty, iconoclastic, occasionally shocking, and hugely funny. There is a wonderful 1980s movie about his life starring the always excellent Gary Oldman, Alfred Molina and Vanessa Redgrave titled "Prick Up Your Ears". It was based on Joe Orton's own diaries and explores fully his complex and ultimately tragic relationship with Kenneth Halliwell. "Prick Up Your Ears" was to have been the title of an unfinished Orton play, with - in typical Orton style - "Ears" being an anagram for "Arse". Quote
KhorTose Posted May 25, 2010 Posted May 25, 2010 Thanks GT. Much appreciated! I would love to see this play. I saw the 1970 film with Attenborough, and loved it. However, My NY friends, and a London friend told me that this movie was far better as a stage play. Why not take it on tour to Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai. With the right advertising, good reviews, and advanced sales I think it could be a winner. Everyone needs a break from the news at the moment and this play is perfect. Quote
Guest fountainhall Posted May 25, 2010 Posted May 25, 2010 Why not take it on tour to Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai. With the right advertising, good reviews, and advanced sales I think it could be a winner. I am delighted that KhorTose and I wholeheartedly agree on something! Quote
Guest PattayaPlayers Posted May 25, 2010 Posted May 25, 2010 I would love to see this play. I saw the 1970 film with Attenborough, and loved it. However, My NY friends, and a London friend told me that this movie was far better as a stage play. Why not take it on tour to Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai. With the right advertising, good reviews, and advanced sales I think it could be a winner. Everyone needs a break from the news at the moment and this play is perfect. It would be a lot of fun KhorTose, unfortunately, most of us in the cast have steady jobs here and can't get away to take anything on the road. That being said, I think this play will be really great - the set looks fantastic - the props impressive and the cast has been working really hard. Certainly worth the trip for anyone who can get down to Pattaya for the weekend! Here's a picture of our newly built coffin just for Mrs. McCleavy (rest her soul)... And the rest of the set and props are equally as impressive! So come on out! pattayaplayers@gmail.com for tickets! Quote
Guest PattayaPlayers Posted June 2, 2010 Posted June 2, 2010 Tickets are still available. Check out our TV Teaser... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WO4mlQfaWfQ Quote
