Joe Orton Laid Bare

A film that explores the wit, work and world of Joe Orton through his own words, and the testimony of those who knew him and worked with him.

Fifty years since his murder at the hands of his lover Kenneth Halliwell, the film charts Joe’s meteoric rise, one which began after his imprisonment for defacing library books in 1962.

Joe Orton Laid Bare celebrates the rapid development of his unique comic voice and his significant role in the culture of 60s swinging London. Joe’s writing takes centre-stage in this account, with excerpts from his stage and TV plays and outrageous diaries. In addition, the circumstances of Joe’s murder are re-examined and new insights provided into that tragic event. Interviewees include Kenneth Cranham, Sir Michael Codron, Christopher Hampton, Dame Patricia Routledge and Joe Orton’s sister, Leonie.

It was commissioned for BBC Two by Patrick Holland, Controller, BBC Two and Mark Bell, Head of Commissioning BBC Arts. The Executive Producer for IWC Media is Franny Moyle, and the Producer/Director is Richard Curson Smith. The Assistant Producer is Lucy Hershon.

Publicity contact: SH8