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 died by suicide using sleeping pills, at 25 Noel Road.
Other Subjects
She Stoops to Conquer
Comic play. Probably the best known work of Oliver Goldsmith. Originally entitled 'Mistakes of a Night'. The daughter of a wealthy countryman poses as a servant in order to win over her nervous sui...
Edmund Payne
Actor, comedian and singer. Born in Hackney. He used his short stature and malleable features to create a popular comic persona. On stage he was often partnered by George Grossmith junior. See ther...
Harry Secombe
Actor, comedian and singer. Born Harry Donald Secombe in St Thomas, Swansea where he grew up. In WW2 he served in the Royal Artillery, and whilst in North Africa he first met Spike Milligan. After ...
Person, Cinema, Music / songs, Seriously Famous, Theatre, TV & Radio, Africa, Wales
Peter Cushing
Actor. Born Peter Wilton Cushing in Kenley, Surrey. After playing small roles on stage, he went to America where he performed in several films, including one with Laurel and Hardy. Returning to Bri...
Person, Cinema, Theatre, TV & Radio, USA
Palace Theatre Walthamstow
Designed by Wylson and Long, it was located at 195 - 197 Walthamstow High Street. Known in rhyming slang as 'Aunty Alice', It opened as a cinema and music hall, and became a playhouse in 1952. It c...
Comments are provided by Facebook, please ensure you are signed in here to see them