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).