Howerd’s End: Critically-acclaimed play on secret love life of iconic comedian Frankie Howerd comes to Rotherham

The two-hander play, titled Howerd’s End, is written by writer and actor, Mark Farrelly, from Sheffield and tells the backstage story of the late Frankie Howerd.

Mark began writing the show in 2014 and it has since gone on to be performed more than 100 times throughout the country.

He said: “I know a lot of people in Rotherham which makes it really nice to bring it to somewhere near home territory.”

The play examines the life of iconic comedian Howerd, whose career spanned half a century, from his performances on stage to his life behind the scenes.

The writer added: “Frankie was not in any case comfortable with who he was — his whole comedy was about his awkwardness.

“It invites the audience to see where his comedy came from and how real it actually was.”

Mark says the play looks at a very powerful story from a different perspective — one very few people know.

He is accompanied on stage by actor, Simon Cartwright, who plays the role of the comedian, whilst Mark plays Dennis Heymer, Howerd’s secret lover of 41 years.

Mark said: “Simon can do what nobody else can — he can convincingly be Frankie Howerd on stage and off, going to very emotional places.”

The role of Dennis Heymer intrigued Mark a lot, saying he really like the idea of playing a character who not many people know about.

He added: “I wanted to taking this shadowy figure and make him very compelling and powerful.”

Stannington-born Mark set the play in Howerd’s Somerset house, with Dennis welcoming the audience in to a living museum as he did after the comedian died.

Talking about the success of his creation, Mark said: “It’s very satisfying after taking the risk to keep it all totally under my control.

“With this play I knew early on  that it worked but I’ll never take success for granted.

The play comes to the Civic Theatre on May 12 and will last for 80 minutes, without a break.

“The absence of an interval is very deliberate,” said Mark.

“We don’t want to give the audience a breather — you cast a spell and you hold it.

“It creates a vibe and the haracters themselves are aware they’re under great time pressure.”