Joe Orton was as outrageous in life as were his plays. He liked to shock, as older Theatre Royal playgoers may recall when his play Loot visited prior to London.

Inspired by John Lahr’s biography and Orton’s diaries, the play recounts the events leading to Kenneth Halliwell hammering his lover, Orton, to death before killing himself.

The play begins with their jokey antics – acting out a smutty version of Mrs Dale’s Diary as well as stealing and defacing library books with their jointly created obscene synopsises. But the mood darkens as Orton’s solo work is recognised, moving him into a world of success that highlights the mediocrity of Halliwell, already possessive, now consumed with jealousy.

Set within the confines of their small flat, the set becomes even more claustrophobic as Halliwell covers the walls with ever-increasing collages as his mental state disintegrates.

Three actors and author Simon Bent provide a remarkable piece of theatre that is wickedly funny yet builds up an almost unbearable tension leading to the inevitable conclusion with Halliwell’s act of brutality.

Gwen Taylor gives a deliciously comic performance as their landlady – based on an actual person but could so easily have been an Orton creation.

As Orton, Chris New is remarkable, capturing well the arrogance and sexuality of the young writer.

But it is Matt Lucas who astonishes as he successfully makes the move from shallow TV creations to a meaty dramatic role – a bravura performance that brings Halliwell and his moods so vividly to life.