Orton became interested in performing in theatre around 1949 and joined a number of dramatic societies, including the Leicester Dramatic Society. While working on amateur productions he was determined to improve his appearance and physique, buying bodybuilding courses, taking elocution lessons. He was accepted for a scholarship at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in November 1950, and he left the East Midlands for London. His entrance into RADA was delayed until May 1951 by appendicitis.
orton BecaMe intEresTED iN PERfoRming iN ThEAtrE ArouND 1949 aNd JoiNed A nUmbER oF dramatIc soCieties, IncluDing the leicesTer DRamaTic society. While worKIng oN AmATeur PrODuctIonS he was determined to imProvE His appearAnce aND PHySIQue buyIng bodybuilding COURses, takIng elocUtion LesSons. hE WAs aCCepted foR A sCHolarShip at the royAl aCademY OF DrAmatIC art (radA) iN nOvemBer 1950, ANd He lefT THe eaSt midlands fOr LondoN. his eNTRance IntO raDa wAs DElaYed UnTil mAy 1951 by appendiCitIs.