Loot

the long version

The play is a dark farce that satirises the Roman Catholic Church, social attitudes to death, and the integrity of the police force. Loot follows the fortunes of two young thieves, Hal and Dennis. Together they rob the bank next to the funeral parlour where Dennis works and return to Hal's home to hide the money. Hal's mother has just died and the money is hidden in her coffin while her body keeps on appearing around the house. Upon the arrival of Inspector Truscott, the plot becomes bizarre as Hal and Dennis try to keep him off their trail, aided by Nurse McMahon and to the despair of Hal's father, Mr. McLeavy. The play satirises the rituals of bereavement, and the mismatch between nominal standards of behaviour -- religious and secular -- and people's actual conduct. The police, as represented by Inspector Truscott, are depicted as venal and corrupt.