Joe Orton Double-bill - The Erpingham Camp And The Ruffian On The Stair [Drama On 3]

A double-bill of Joe Orton plays to mark the 50th anniversary of his death.

A special Orton evening, comprising two new productions of Orton's plays The Erpingham Camp and The Ruffian on the Stair, plus an interview with Orton's friend, actor Kenneth Cranham, recorded live at the BBC's radio theatre to mark the 50th anniversary of Orton's untimely death at the hands of his lover, Kenneth Halliwell.

Erpingham....Robert Daws

Riley....Jonjo O'Neill

Lou....Kerry Gooderson

Ted....Samuel James

Kenny....Charlie Clements

Eileen....Sarah Ridgeway

W.E. Harrison....Tom Forrister

Jessie Mason....Sanchia McCormack

Padre....Simon Ludders

Accordion Player....Colin Guthrie

Mike....Gerard Horan

Joyce....Sophie Thompson

Wilson....Jack Rowan

Producer....Mary Peate

Joe Orton shocked and entertained audiences with his scandalous black comedies which poked fun at the hypocrisy, double standards and corruption at the heart of British society, but his life was cut short when his lover Kenneth Halliwell beat him to death before himself taking a fatal overdose, 50 years ago this summer.

Matthew Sweet interviews Kenneth Cranham.

This production is part of the BBC's Gay Britannia season.

Two Joe Orton plays recorded live at the BBC's Radio Theatre.