Entertaining Mr. Sloane
Entertaining Mr. Sloane
Book Brief
Beta97
Play • Fiction
London, England • 1960s
1973
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Entertaining Mr. Sloane by Joe Orton is a dark comedy that explores themes of manipulation, seduction, and power dynamics. The play centers on a young, charismatic lodger, Mr. Sloane, who becomes entangled with the dysfunctional, codependent siblings Kath and Ed, each driven by their own desires and secrets.
Dark
Unnerving
Humorous
Suspenseful
Gritty
Reviews & Readership
651 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Entertaining Mr. Sloane by Joe Orton is praised for its sharp wit and dark humor, offering a satirical take on human desires and moral ambiguity. Critics appreciate the clever dialogue and compelling characters. However, some find its themes unsettling and characters morally dubious. Overall, the play remains a provocative and engaging piece of theater.
Who Should Read Entertaining Mr. Sloane?
A reader who enjoys Entertaining Mr. Sloane by Joe Orton would likely appreciate dark comedy and social satire. They may also enjoy works like The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde or The Caretaker by Harold Pinter, both of which offer sharp wit and critique of societal norms.
651 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Entertaining Mr. Sloane premiered in 1964 and was Joe Orton's first major success, establishing him as a prominent playwright in the genre of dark comedy.
The play caused a sensation due to its provocative themes and satirical take on British societal norms, often challenging audiences with its exploration of moral ambiguity and taboo subjects.
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Notably, the original production of Entertaining Mr. Sloane was staged at the Arts Theatre in London and faced mixed critical reception, partly due to its unconventional and risqué content for the time.
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97
Play • Fiction
London, England • 1960s
1973
Adult
18+ years
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