Wit, style and controversy: Sixties playwright Joe Orton

Lena | June 20, 2010 | 1 Comment

Having already written a number of unpublished novels, Orton turned his attention to writing plays; he wrote his first in 1959 and would do so with gusto for the next eight years. Such plays as ‘Loot’, ‘Entertaining Mr Sloane’ and ‘The Ruffian on the Stair’ would establish a blend of macabre and scandalous humour that would become known as “Ortonesque”.

Orton would also display a keen sense of style: turned up jeans, tight white t-shirts, converse shoes and army cap would often be paired with fur coats and that ever present wit. The classic “rocker” look transformed into something new and wonderfully dangerous.

‘You look very pretty in that fur coat you’re wearing’, Oscar Lewenstein said as we stood on the corner before going our separate ways. I said, ‘Peggy bought it me. It was thirteen pounds fifteen.’ ‘Very cheap,’ Michael White said. ‘Yes, I’ve discovered I look better in cheap clothes.’ ‘I wonder what the significance of that is?’ Oscar said. ‘I’m from the gutter,’ I said. ‘And don’t you ever forget it because I won’t’. – Orton Diary, 9th January, 1967.

Sadly Orton’s prolific writing career would come to a terrible end on 9 August 1967. The 34 year-old was murdered by his writing partner and lover Halliwell. Orton’s parting piece was the screenplay ‘Up Against It’, written for The Beatles, but sadly never filmed. The Beatles song “A Day in the Life” was played at his funeral.

‘Loot’ and ‘Entertaining Mr Sloane’ were both given the big screen treatment in 1970. The films are now available on DVD and well worth seeking out. Loot is worth it alone for the amazing retro interiors and Lee Rimmick’s fab wardrobe.