Prick Up Your Ears

On 9 August 1967, Peggy Ramsay arrives at the home of playwright Joe Orton and his partner Kenneth Halliwell but receives no answer at the door. Concerned about their well-being, she decides to contact the police for assistance.

The police respond to Ramsay's call and break into the apartment where they tragically discover the lifeless bodies of Orton and Halliwell. This shocking revelation marks the beginning of a complex narrative surrounding their relationship and the dark turn of events.

A decade after the tragic events, theatre critic John Lahr expresses a desire to write a biography about Joe Orton. This ambition leads him to meet with Peggy Ramsay to delve into Orton's life and explore the legacy he left behind.

During their meeting, Ramsay and Lahr discover Orton's diaries, which offer a profound insight into the playwright's thoughts and experiences. These diaries become crucial in reconstructing the narrative of Orton's vibrant yet troubled life.

The journey of Orton and Halliwell begins at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, where they both study. This early chapter sets the stage for their developing relationship, marked by contrasting personalities and creative ambitions.

As time passes, Orton, initially the less confident of the two, begins to flourish both personally and professionally. In contrast, Halliwell struggles in his creative pursuits, leading to a significant shift in their relationship dynamics.

Orton and Halliwell's relationship evolves into a caricatured dynamic often likened to a conventional married couple. Orton assumes the role of the 'husband' while Halliwell embodies the neglected 'wife,' a portrayal undercut by the reality of their struggles.

Their relationship unfolds against the backdrop of a society where homosexuality is illegal, amplifying the internal conflict they face. This context serves to heighten their emotional turmoil and the stakes surrounding their lives.

Orton receives an exciting commission to write a script for a movie featuring the legendary Beatles, propelling him further into the limelight. Halliwell's enthusiasm for this opportunity highlights the complexity of his feelings toward Orton's rising fame.

As preparations are underway for Orton's meeting with the Beatles, an unexpected call pulls him away to a private discussion. This moment underscores the turbulence in their relationship, showcasing Halliwell's insecurities amid Orton's burgeoning success.

In August 1967, the increasingly fraught relationship between Orton and Halliwell reaches a heartbreaking climax. A despondent Halliwell, overwhelmed by a mix of despair and jealousy, makes the tragic decision to take Orton's life.

Following the tragic event, Halliwell ultimately succumbs to suicide, marking a grim end to a tumultuous relationship. Their intertwined lives leave a lasting impact on the world of theatre and an eternal reminder of the costs of fame and despair.

The tragic tale of Orton and Halliwell highlights the complexities of their lives as artists and partners, shedding light on the challenges they faced in a less accepting society. Their story not only informs theatre history but also resonates with themes of identity and artistic pursuit.