Suitcased Memorabilia: Malcolm McDowell

As a adolescent in 1975, my first trip aboard was to see our family in the Old Dart. It was memorable for one reason — and not seeing our family. I was lucky enough to see an evening performance of Joe Orton’s “Entertaining Mr. Sloan’” starring Malcolm McDowell and Beryl Reid (1919–1996) at the Royal Court Theatre, Sloan Square, London. McDowell was sublime as was Reid.

What a pair of actors! I thoroughly loved Joe Orton’s script (and went out and bought it - and still have it) and the stage setting? Well, it was perfect — British right down to the faded floral wall paper.

This production was so memorable, it has had a lasting effect on me to this day.