July 2017 marked the 50th anniversary of a landmark in LGBT rights: the partial decriminalisation of male homosexuality in England and Wales.
This also coincided with the 50th Anniversary of the death of Joe Orton
YOURS FAITHFULLY, EDNA WELTHORPE (MRS)
On 9 August 2017, actors, writers and comedians gathered at The Little Theatre, Leicester, to celebrate the life, work and legacy of Joe Orton 50 years after his death. Find out more about the event and the Edna Welthorpe project at www.ednawelthorpe.co.uk
ORTON: OBSCENITIES IN SUBURBIA
Part of the BFI's Gross Indecency Season
Throughout August 2017
A season of Orton events including a screening of What the Butler Saw and a Q&A with Orton’s biographer John Lahr, Orton’s sister Leonie Orton and actor/Orton’s personal friend, Kenneth Cranham. See here for details.
More Details about all the BFI events here
Orton film and TV productions also available to rent on the BFI Player here
EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL BOOK FESTIVAL
LEONIE ORTON WITH JAKE ARNOTT
Tue 22 Aug 2:30pm - 3:30pm Bosco Theatre (George Street) £12.00, £10.0
KEEPING AN ARTISTIC LEGACY ALIVE
Leonie Orton, the sister of playwright Joe Orton shares her memoir, discussing the impact and legacy of her brother’s work with novelist Jake Arnott, recalling her own experiences of growing up on a Leicester council estate in the 1940s and 50s. Orton, whose brother was cruelly murdered by his lover, believes that her self-education and handling of his estate has shaped her. Come and hear her moving story. Info and box office here
LOOT BY JOE ORTON
Directed by Michael Fentiman
Previews: 17 - 19 Aug
Plays: 17 Aug - 24 Sep
Press Night: 23 Aug (7pm)
More details here
From the producers of Park Theatre sell-out hit The Boys in the Band comes another darkly comic masterpiece: Joe Orton's classic farce Loot. Uproarious slapstick meets dubious morals as two young friends stash the proceeds of a bank robbery in an occupied coffin, attempting to hide their spoils from the attentions of a psychopathic policeman, a gold-digging nurse and a grieving widower.. The ensuing black comedy shocked and delighted audiences in equal measure when the play premiered five decades ago, winning the Evening Standard Best Play award. This fiftieth anniversary production is directed by Michael Fentiman, whose credits include two acclaimed shows for the Royal Shakespeare Company as well as the recent Park Theatre critically-acclaimed hit, Raising Martha.
ORTON BROADCASTS AUGUST 2017 - AVAILABLE ON THE BBC IPLAYER
Orton Front Row Special - First Broadcast on BBC Radio 4 Friday 11th Aug
Available on BBCiPlayer here
The Orton Diaries - Broadcast on BBC Radio 4 Extra Sun 13th Aug at 8pm
Available on BBCiPlayer here
Loot - Broadcast on BBC Radion 4 Extra Sun 13th Aug at 8.30pm
Available on BBCiPlayer here
EXHIBITIONS
What the Artist Saw: Art Inspired by the Life and Work of Joe Orton
New Walk Museum and Art Gallery, Leicester
29 July - 22 October 2017
Features work by David Lock, Joe Orton's nephew
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the death of Leicester-born playwright Joe Orton, an exhibition of contemporary art commissions inspired by Orton’s life and legacy. Featuring work by David Lock, Louise Plant, Stewy, Danielle Vaughan and Tim Youd. Find out more here
Crimes of Passion: The Story of Joe Orton
National Justice Museum, Nottingham
21 July - 1 October 2017
Find out more here
Joe Orton and Me: Breaking Boundaries
Soft Touch Arts
New Walk, Leicester
9 August - 9 September 2017
Soft Touch Arts has worked with young people from the Saffron Lane estate, where Orton grew up, and other parts of Leicester to produce an exhibition inspired by the life, work and legacy of the Leicester-born playwright. Find out more here
