Prick up Your Ears

This is the story of the spectacular life and death of British playwright Joe Orton. In his teens, Orton is befriended by the older, more reserved Kenneth Halliwell, and while the two begin a relationship, it's fairly obvious that it‘s not all about sex.

Orton loves the dangers of bath-houses and liaisons in public restrooms; Halliwell doesn't fare so well in those environs. While both long to become writers, it is Orton who achieves fame – his plays “Entertaining Mr. Sloane” and “Loot” both become huge hits in 60s London. Orton's success takes him farther from Halliwell, whose response ended both his life and that of the up-and-coming playwright.

Mark Barwell of Hastings Pride will host a post-screening Q&A about the film.