Loot

Loot
By Joe Orton
Presented by
Chorley Amateur Dramatic and Operatic Society (CADOS)
11th June 2025

Joe Orton's play Loot was partially influenced by his experience of being jailed for six months for defacing library books. This event, along with his subsequent time in prison, is considered a turning point in his writing career, leading to the development of his distinctive voice and themes. His prison experience engendered a sense of "nothing more to lose," which likely emboldened his work.
The play shines a light on themes of hypocrisy and deception, reflecting Orton’s own experience with the legal system.

The Cast....
Hal – Zac Whitby
Totally convincing as the miscreant son, emotionally detached, prioritising logic and personal gain over others’ feelings.

Dennis – Ethan Banks
Took on the mantle of undertaker and ladies' man with energy and conviction from his first entrance.

Fay – Nicola Walsh
Excellent portrayal of the psychopathic character. Perfect comic timing, Nicola!

McLeavy – Colin Leigh
A lovely, measured performance throughout as Hal’s father—shaped by his Catholic upbringing and striving to maintain his moral compass.

Truscott – Jacob L. Prince
Brought real depth and dark energy to the part, perfectly portraying the character’s normalcy alongside sadistic and violent tendencies. Stage presence and charisma highlighted the manic, unsettling energy.  With some of the most realistic stage violence, Jacob brought a truly dark, brooding energy to the role.

Mrs McLeavy – Donna Keller
Having a real person as the corpse magnified the level of unease from the opening curtain. To lie in a coffin, be manhandled out, and placed upside down in a cupboard takes special courage and real theatrical devotion. Really well done, Donna.

Meadows – Jim Bob
Totally realistic as the dutiful plod.

Just once, in the second act, enthusiasm for the characters slightly overshadowed the subtlety. But this is farce, and it would be totally unfair to nitpick in what was a first-class production.

Director – Dave Reid
Perfectly cast with a real understanding of the author's intention. I am sure your vision for this production would perfectly align with the playwright’s message.

Stage/Tech...
An imaginative set, costumes, lighting, sound, and props all combined to produce a genuinely dark and claustrophobic atmosphere. Really well done.

Stage Management
Stage Manager – Natalie Ward

Set Build and Painting
Shaun McManus
Alex Bond
Paul Carr
Stephen Clipston
Owen Hall
Leigh Mower
Maureen Strand
Debs Behan
Gillian Brotherton
Selina Gregory

Sound and Lighting
Paul Carr
Ben Holden

Wardrobe
Kath Townsend
Karen Thompson-Butler
Selina Gregory
Zoe Gammidge
Carol Brooks
Evie Wharton

Props
Ro Littlejohns

David Davies
Assistant N.O.D.A. Rep,
NW District 6

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