Campaign to erect statue in memory of Leicester playwright launches to celebrity support.
A host of celebrities including Sir Ian McKellen, Stephen Fry, Alec Baldwin, Kenneth Cranham and Sheila Hancock are lending their support to a fundraising campaign to have a statue of the iconic British playwright Joe Orton erected in his hometown of Leicester.
The fundraising campaign, backed by dluxe Magazine, has been organised by a committee of Orton fans in Leicester and is headed by his sister, Leonie Orton (pictured with Sir Ian McKellen) and Dr Emma Parker- a leading Orton expert at the University of Leicester, home of the Orton archive, which includes manuscripts, letters and other original material written, compiled or collected
by the playwright.
Acting legend Sir Ian Mckellen is an active supporter of the fundraising campaign saying: “‘The idea that in Orton Square there should be a statue, a memorial to Joe Orton, is terrific”.
Actor, Writer and National Treasure Stephen Fry added “‘Joe Orton has always been a hero to me, both in his work and in the authenticity, wit and wonder of his life. A statue is a wonderful idea.”
Born in Leicester and raised on the Saffron Lane council estate, Orton shocked, outraged, and amused audiences with his scandalous black comedies such as Loot, Entertaining Mr Sloane and What the Butler Saw. His career, although short lived, was incredibly significant, influencing future generations of writers, so much so that his unique style has given rise to the adjective ‘Ortonesque’ to describe work that blends the comic and the macabre.
His life, as revealed in his diaries, was as scandalous as his plays, and he died tragically at the age of 34, murdered by his lover, Kenneth Halliwell, in 1967.
One of only a handful of memorials to LGBT icons in the UK, a fundraising platform has been set up to meet the projected cost of £100,000 to design, create and site the statue within a prominent position in the city of Leicester. The design of the statue will be subject to a competition where artists will be asked to represent a likeness of Orton in a suitably ‘Ortonesque’ way. It is hoped that the statue, the favoured location of which is Orton Square by Curve, at the heart of the Cultural Quarter, will become a symbol of Leicester’s significant literary heritage and a passionate commitment to diversity and inclusivity.
Leonie Orton, pictured with Sir Ian, who administers the estate of Joe Orton with her sister Marilyn, said:“A statue of Joe will ensure that a great writer is not forgotten, raise awareness of Leicester’s rich literary heritage and serve as an inspirational reminder that talent is everywhere and art is for everyone, regardless of social background or circumstance.”
Fundraising includes a soon to be released auction, enabling Orton fans and collectors the opportunity to bid for rare items from the Orton Archive, exclusive theatre experiences and Orton artwork. There are some once in a lifetime rewards for donating on offer including private views of the Orton archive and the chance to have his favourite actor, Kenneth Cranham, come to their house and read from the Orton Diaries.
