Mark Farrelly shines in this self-written, one-man show exploring the life of playwright and novelist Patrick Hamilton, writes Charlie Mahoney.
Though celebrated by many of his literary contemporaries, Hamilton’s career and reputation would decline to the point that he was described as “grossly neglected” just a few years after his death in 1962.
The Silence of Snow, corrects those wrongs done by society in a gripping journey through the Hangover Square author’s rise to prominence and subsequent descent into alcoholism, depression and martial conflict.
Spanning a truly tempestuous existence, Farrelly’s writing and performance are wonderfully characterised by both an acerbic wit that features in much of Hamilton’s own work, as well as an earnest inquiry into the issue of mental health.
Making its debut at the Edinburgh Festival in 2014, it is no surprise that this outstanding piece of theatre is continuing to captivate audiences up and down the UK.
Mark Farrelly is a one-man repertory company as he traverses the country continually performing The Silence of Snow and other plays he has written and performed: Jarman, Quentin Crisp: Naked Hope, and Howerd’s End, so catching up with Farrelly and his work is easy. Do it. He comes highly recommended.
Directed by Linda Marlowe, known for her lengthy collaboration with Steven Berkoff.
Brockley Jack Studio Theatre, 410 Brockley Road, London, SE4 2DH until 21st October.
Box office: www.brockleyjack.co.uk or 0333 666 3366 (£1.80 fee for phone bookings only)
Dates: Tuesday 17 – Saturday 21 October 2023 at 7.30pm. Tues- Saturday only
Tickets: £17, £15 conc., 14+
Running time: 75 mins
Check website for tour details: http://markfarrelly.co.uk/
