Entertaining Mr Sloane

Ben Perkins plays Sloane, a charismatic young thug who exerts a hypnotic appeal on his mothering landlady, Kath, and her homosexual brother, Ed. What Perkins conveys very well is the character's psychological and physical ruthlessness: he visibly enjoys playing parlour power-games and shows a sadistic relish in beating Kath and Ed's dad, Kemp, to a senseless pulp.  

Nicola Marsland as Kath was great, shifting between a bullying daughter, smothering mother, and horny housewife by turn. There is something hilarious about Marsland's mock modesty as she squats next to Sloane on a sofa in a flimsily transparent nightie. But at the same time, she reminds us that Kath sees her lodger as both a sex object and surrogate baby and, at the play's climax, barters for a share of his body with political skill.  

Roger Saddington is an equally definitive Ed, as he looks the epitome of managerial self-control. But the joke is that, from the double-take he does on first clapping eyes on Sloane, he is fighting a constant battle with his sexual hunger.  

Bob Ryall plays Kemp who is old, grumpy, and, eventually, murdered. His characterisation was brilliant. 

The performances from everyone on stage were of a high quality. The set was a typical 1960s, suburban living room, with lots of attention to detail. Lighting and sound were good throughout the production. Well done to the Director, cast and crew. 

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