Joe Orton The Ruffian On The Stair


(5 stars; 1 review)

The Ruffian on the Stair is a play for radio by Joe Orton. This one-act play presents a comedic yet unsympathetic portrayal of a poor London couple, Mike and Joyce, living in a bedsit. Mike, an ex-boxer, struggles to make ends meet while Joyce, an ex-prostitute, navigates their challenging life together.

The story unfolds as a mysterious young man appears, taunting Joyce and complicating their lives. The play, based on Orton's novel The Boy Hairdresser, explores themes of class and the darker sides of society, including casual labor and complex relationships. With a cast featuring Avis Bunnage, Dermot Kelly, and Kenneth Cranham, this production offers a unique glimpse into the lives of its characters.


This recording is part of the Old Time Radio collection.

Chapters

The Ruffian on the Stair 51:59