Playwright. Born Leicester. Came to London in 1951 as a student at RADA, where he met fellow student Kenneth Halliwell. Works include Entertaining Mr Sloane and Loot, in which he wrote the part of Inspector Truscott for his close friend Kenneth Williams. In 1962 Orton and his partner, Halliwell, were prosecuted for stealing and defacing books from the Islington Public Library. Jealous of his sexual adventures, Halliwell murdered Orton with a hammer and then committed suicide with sleeping pills, at 25 Noel Road.
Other Subjects
Jimmy Winston
Actor and musician. He was in the original line-up of Small Faces but left after a clash of personalities with the other group members. He went on to an acting career, appearing on stage in the mus...
1 memorial
Adam Faith
Singer and actor. Born as Terence Nelhams Wright at 4 Churchfield Road East, Acton. He was spotted while playing in a skiffle group in the 2i's Coffee Bar Soho, and subsequently made his first appe...
1 memorial
C. J. Phipps
Architect of theatres. Those still standing in London include: the Vaudeville, the Lyric, the Garrick, Her Majesty's. Born Bath. Died at home at 26 Mecklenburgh Square.
2 memorials
Theatre Royal Drury Lane
The fourth theatre on the site since restoration times, this is the oldest theatre in use in London. In 1745 the National Anthem had its first public performance here, in an earlier building.
2 memorials
Spotlight
Publishes casting directories.
1 memorial