Joe Orton's 1960's play, Entertaining Mr Sloane, is currently playing at the Young Vic, Southwark until 8 November. It stars Tamzin Outhwaite as Kath, Daniel Cerqueira as Ed, Christopher Fairbank as Dada and Jordan Stephens as Mr Sloane.

This production is directed by Nadia Fall and has been reduced to two rather than its usual three acts. Despite being written in the 1960's, it's dated only in as much as it no longer has a shock value on the audience that it once would have done.  

The circular stage, designed by Peter McKintosh is dressed in all dark furniture and household items. It's surrounded by discarded rubbish tip paraphernalia and matches perfectly with this bleak, black comedy.

If you're unfamiliar with the story, Mr Sloane takes lodgings with Kath and flirts his way into her affections. She becomes unhealthily attached, constantly needing reassurance about his feelings. Dada is certain he knows Mr Sloane and has witnessed him commit a crime so feels uneasy about him. Enter Ed, Kath's brother, who initially asks Mr Sloane to leave. Mr Sloane manipulates and flirts with Ed who then also feels an attraction and offers him a job.   

Jordan Stephens isn't quite thuggish enough to play Mr Sloane and perhaps lacks the charm required to be believable as the manipulator of Kath and Ed. However, he gives a solid performance; though not quite as impactful as his counterparts. Daniel Cerqueira is great as Ed, a pompous man who struts like a peacock boasting about he's success. He bullies and ridicules Kath and isn't much better to his aged father. 

Christopher Fairbank is perfect casting as Dada. Miserable with his health in decline, he still confronts Mr Sloane with terrible consequences. While I don't believe Tamzin Outhwaite is physically a perfect Kath, she plays the part well, portraying the role with a perfect blend of flirty, childish and vulnerability. And to add, her comedic timing was fabulous.

The final scene is a tug of war between sister and brother culminating in a somewhat unconventional agreement. This really is a bleak, black comedy but more than worthy of a watch. Wickedly funny with a pacing that'll keep audience members engaged.