Character profile: Edward Heath, as according to 'Tory Boyz'

Edward "Ted" Heath was Head of the Conservative Party from 1965 to 1975, serving as Prime Minister from 1970 to 1974. His time as an influential member of government coincided with and created some of the biggest cultural and social upheavals in the history of the United Kingdom. He never married.




Young life
Heath was born in Broadstairs in Kent, and was educated at grammar school (unusual for a Conservative MP) before attending Balliol College, Oxford. He was an isolated child, his mother having decided that he was to make something of himself. He was an avid pianist and later conductor, having a deep-rooted interest in orchestrating all his life, possibly as a retreat from the chaos and exposed nature of politics. In the play it is implied that his piano tutor had made certain sexual advantages towards him, possibly a reason why in later life he made it so difficult to make a romantic or sexual connection

Sexuality
Heath's sexuality has been questioned many a time throughout the last 50 years. Due to the harsh nature of the British establishment, particularly in the Tory party, it would have been difficult to ascend the ranks, particularly right to the top, had he been openly gay. As such, there is no concrete evidence either way, although his lack of spouse and particularly his mannerisms in the play are very suggestive. After his death, many accusations of paedophilia have been thrown his way, and a major operation is underway to shed light on any secrets that have been kept out of the public eye for so long. His reserved and awkward nature may contributed to him taking advantage of the vulnerable to satisfy sexual lust that he could not fulfil on his own, if so then he was a coward and a villain. However I made the decision that this frustration at his inability to find sexual satisfaction built up over years, and therefore at the time of the monologue he did not know he was capable of committing such atrocities. Perhaps Kay was his last shot, and after that point no other woman showed interest in him?