On the anniversary of his birth 103 years today, the world premiere of Howerd’s End a new play by Mark Farrelly about British comedy legend Frankie Howerd is announced.
Howerd’s End directed by Joe Harmston explores the clandestine relationship between comedy legend Frankie Howerd and Dennis Heymer from the 1950s until Frankie’s death in 1992.
Frankie Howerd is played by Simon Cartwright, who received rave reviews as another British comedy legend, Bob Monkhouse, in ‘The Man Called Monkhouse’ at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Simon also played Bob Monkhouse in ‘Toast of London’ on C4 and in Paul Hendy’s film ‘The Last Laugh’.
Dennis Heymer is played by the play’s author Mark Farelly, who is also the writer and performer of two hugely-acclaimed solo plays, ‘The Silence of Snow: The Life of Patrick Hamilton’ and ‘Quentin Crisp: Naked Hope’, which he has performed over 200 times across the UK / New York and counting. His next play is a solo portrait of radical film-maker Derek Jarman.
Can you imagine being terrified of your own happiness? You can? Then let’s begin…
Frankie Howerd is one of Britain’s most loved comedians. But he has a secret. And the secret’s name is Dennis. This brand new play by Mark Farrelly (‘Quentin Crisp: Naked Hope’) takes you to the heart of Frankie and Dennis’ clandestine relationship, which lasted from the 1950s until Frankie’s death in 1992. It also affords a glorious opportunity to encounter Frankie in full-flight stand up mode.
Packed with laughter, but unafraid of truth, Howerd’s End portrays two humans’ journey through closeness, love, grief, and all the other things that make life worth living. Come and say farewell to a legend…and learn the art of letting go.
Howerd’s End will get its world premiere at Old Joint Stock theatre, Birmingham from Wednesday 8 – Sunday 12 April and will then tour.
Howerd’s End Tour Dates (More to be announced)
Wednesday 8 – Sunday 12 April BIRMINGHAM Old Joint Stock
www.oldjointstock.co.uk
Monday 11 May WHITHORN The Swallow Theatre
www.swallowtheatre.co.uk
Monday 13 July LONDON Hospital Club
Friday 17 July BEDFORD The Place
www.theplacebedford.org.uk
Friday 24 July SUDBURY Quay Theatre
www.quaysudbury.com
Friday 2 October LICHFIELD Lichfield Garrick
www.lichfieldgarrick.com
Friday 23 & Saturday 24 October CHELTENHAM Everyman Theatre
www.everymantheatre.org.uk
