| Description | The file contains typed script diaries by Joe Orton. They appear to be a mixture of original typed manuscripts, with some corrections in an unidentified hand that seem to have been done as editing in preparation for publication, and photocopy transcripts of the middle section. Peggy [Ramsay Orton's agent] is mentioned throughout, as well as Kenneth Halliwell, Orton's mentor and partner. In them, Orton discusses his stage work in a frank manner, for example, discussing that he is writing 'What The Butler Saw' and hopes to finish by spring [1967] and issues surrounding the play including descriptions of cut scenes [page 9]. It also includes references to other possible projects, such as writing a film script entitled 'Up Against It' for Walter Shenstone (references from p32). Shenstone produced The Beatles' films and, on the day Orton's body was discovered, he was to meet the band about this project. His first meeting with them is recorded [pp. 47-9]. He also discusses people he worked with and knew, including Kenneth Williams [page 88]. He also records anecdotes of his own and others' lives and comments on society and the nature of the world around him. Of note, Orton comments on the nature of his writing (p16).
Herbert worked on 'What the Butler Saw' at The Royal Court Theatre 1975 (Dir. Lindsay Anderson). |