Mark Farrelly as Patrick Hamilton

A one-man show at the Lichfield Garrick will lift the lid on the life of writer Patrick Hamilton.

Mark Farrelly as Patrick Hamilton
Mark Farrelly as Patrick Hamilton

Actor Mark Farrelly will take the role following his critically-acclaimed appearance in the city as Quentin Crisp in January.

A spokesperson said: “The Silence of Snow: The Life of Patrick Hamilton is a riveting, kinetic solo show which vividly portrays the life of one of the great English writers of the inter-war years.

“Patrick Hamilton was a dazzling success while still in his twenties, producing the hit plays Rope and Gaslight, and classic novels including Twenty Thousand Streets Under The Sky, Hangover Square and The Slaves of Solitude.

“But he was also an alcoholic, whose wit became increasingly mordant as his inner and outer worlds collapsed.

“Set in an electro-therapy clinic in the 1950s, and covering the entire sweep of Hamilton’s turbulent life, The Silence of Snow has gripped audiences wherever it has been performed.

“An arresting blend of original writing and extracts from Hamilton’s finest works, the play is a powerful cautionary tale about the dangers of not confronting one’s own inner chaos. It is also a hugely witty and engaging tribute to a great English writer.”

The Silence of Snow: The Life of Patrick Hamilton is at the Garrick Studio on September 21 at 7.45pm as part of the theatre’s Garrick Introducing series. The performance will be followed by a post-show discussion with Mark Farrelly.

Tickets are £17.50 and can be booked online at www.lichfieldgarrick.com or by calling the box office on 01543 412121.

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.