WRITER-DIRECTOR Nick Moran adapts his own acclaimed stage play for the big screen, documenting the rise and fall of pioneering gay British songwriter and record producer Joe Meek, who stormed to the top of the charts on both sides of the Atlantic in 1962 with the titular track.

The film opens in 1961 when Joe (Con O’Neill – Everyman Theatre alumni) is installed in his self-built recording studio above a leather goods store at 304 Holloway Road, in London, financed by Major Wilfred Banks.

With the help of songwriting partner Geoff Goddard, Joe guarantees a steady stream of work for his house band, The Tornados, comprising drummer Clem Cattini and guitarists Chas Hodges and Alan Caddy.

When blond singer Heinz Burt catches Joe’s roving eye, the two become lovers and the producer grooms Heinz for solo stardom, with The Tornados essentially as accompaniment.

However, the threat of financial ruin, and Joe’s carefree lifestyle at a time when homosexuality is illegal, nudge him to the brink of self-destruction.

TELSTAR (Cert. 15, 119 mins)
Stars: Con O'Neill, Kevin Spacey, Pam Ferris, James Corden, Ralf Little, Carl Barat, Justin Hawkins
Directed by Nick Moran