A show in Lichfield is set to examine what drove actor and writer Keith Halliwell to murder his playwright lover.
Halliwell killed Joe Orton with a hammer in 1967 before committing suicide.
A note left by Halliwell said:
“If you read his diary, all will be explained. KH PS: Especially the latter part.”
It is widely believed that Halliwell was referring to sections of Orton’s diary which detailed his promiscuity, but Especially The Latter Part at the Lichfield Garrick examines exactly what caused him to snap in such a violent – and deadly – manner.
Their 16-year relationship had seen Orton transformed from a provincial nobody into one of the most feted writers of his era – and Halliwell, once the dominant personality in Orton’s life, to a marginalised figure, alternately overlooked and despised by Orton’s new celebrity friends.
But was Halliwell’s motivation simple jealousy, as many have assumed? Or was he driven to his final desperate act by more complex forces?
Drawing on original materials – including Halliwell’s own writings and correspondence – Especially The Latter Part is a powerful and involving exploration of a man against whom life had a grudge, but who nevertheless inspired one of the wittiest and most provocative talents in post-war British theatre. The show asks the question – what made Halliwell the man he was? And what drove him to murder?
Tickets for the show on September 19 are priced at £12 and £10 concessions. The show is not suitable for under-16s however.
To book, call the box office on 01543 412121 or visit the Lichfield Garrick website.
I’ve just watched a dress rehearsal for this – powerful stuff, unexpectedly funny in places, and focusing on a much-misunderstood subject.
Looking forward to the performance with much anticipation!