Prick Up Your Ears Posts Early Closing Notice in West End

By Mark Shenton
November 3, 2009

The current West End production of Simon Bent's Prick Up Your Ears, inspired by the John Lahr biography of playwright Joe Orton and Orton's diaries, is to shutter Nov. 15 at the West End's Comedy Theatre. It was originally booking through Dec. 6.

The play began performances Sept. 17, prior to an official opening Sept. 30, with Matt Lucas originally playing the role of Kenneth Halliwell, the long-time partner of Orton who subsequently killed him and then committed suicide. Lucas, however, subsequently withdrew from the production, after his former partner Kevin McGee was found dead on Oct. 5. Lucas' understudy Michael Chadwick took over temporarily, then Con O'Neill (who was Tony Award-nominated in 1993 for Best Actor in a Musical for his Broadway debut performance as Mickey in Willy Russell's musical Blood Brothers) officially replaced Lucas from Oct. 22.

The role of Joe Orton has been played throughout the run by Chris New, with Gwen Taylor as neighbour Mrs Corden.

In a press statement, the producers have commented, "Despite very good feedback and notices for Con O Neill's performance, the box office sales have not been sufficient to keep the show going, and so the producers have taken the difficult decision to close the show three weeks prior to its scheduled end date."

The play is directed by Daniel Kramer, and has designs by Peter McKintosh, lighting by Peter Mumford and sound by Gareth Owen.

To book tickets for remaining performances, phone the box office on 0870 060 6637, or visit www.prickupyourearsheplay.com