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Dir: Daniel Kramer.
Cast: Chris New, Gwen Taylor, Michael Chadwick, Con O'Neill (from Oct 22)
Description: Simon Bent's play about the domestic life of the writers Joe Orton and Kenneth Halliwell. Directed by Daniel Kramer.
Trains: Tube: Piccadilly Circus/Leicester Square 
Phone: 0870060 6637
Website: www.theambassadors.com/comedy
Matt Lucas having left the show after the death of his former civil partner, the reliably excellent Con O’Neill has taken over the role of Kenneth Halliwell, the killer of his one-time lover Joe Orton. It is a pleasure to report that his fine performance ensures those ears are pricked up once more.
Simon Bent’s play, narrow in focus but impressive in depth of sentiment, starts just before the arrest of the pair in 1962 for “defacing” library books with satirical comments.
At this point, both men are aspiring writers, with the older Halliwell more exuberant than Chris New’s somewhat grim Orton. Prison sharpens Joe’s focus, however, and from here on Daniel Kramer’s well‑judged production sees the younger man grow inexorably in confidence, success and cruelty.
O’Neill sensitively portrays Halliwell’s escalating agoraphobia and pill-popping as a desperate reaction to the daily knife-stabs of Orton’s mounting triumphs and increasing rejection of their life together. The play’s ultimate strength, though, lies beyond biographical insight into a much‑loved playwright.
Anyone who has clung on helplessly to an ailing relationship, or felt thwarted creatively, will watch in pained recognition. With top price tickets on offer for £25, this is one of the best deals going in the West End.
Until 29 November (0870 060 6637, www.prickupyourearstheplay.com).
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
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Absolutely brilliant performance from Con O'Neill. Not fair to judge Matt Lucas because I've only seen the former but cannot see how anyone else but O'Neill could be so mercurial, deeply pained, outrageously funny and sweetly flamboyant as Kenneth Halliwell. What is striking about the play is that Halliwell's 'crime of passion' could happen to anyone - a chilling thought. ***** Up Your Ears can be a little hard to take towards the end (and, it is more than understandable that Lucas withdrew) but it's a beautifully written and played tragedy with some wonderful Ortonesque lines like the adorable Gwen Taylor's toffees and pear drops. Also, a very impressive collage set. Only slight moan is that Chris New has none of Orton's dangerously leather-clad allure. He is basically too nice. Yet, it's O'Neill's night and it's a memorable triumph.
- Dj, London
