One Night Only

The Silence of Snow: The Life of Patrick Hamilton

BY MARK FARRELLY

DIRECTED BY LINDA MARLOWE.

27 October 2024

Overview

The only thing you need for a happy life is an undefended heart

Patrick Hamilton was a writer with dazzling early success, producing hit plays Rope and Gaslight (giving us the term ‘gaslighting’) and classic novels like Hangover Square. But by the 1950s, alcoholism has left his career and life in alarming ruins. Surveying the wreckage, Patrick must decide whether he can seek out the hope in the depths, and rediscover the distinctive talent that had soared him to the very heights of fame.

An arresting blend of original writing and extracts from Hamilton’s finest works, Mark Farrelly’s hugely acclaimed solo 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.

Suggested Age Guidance 14+

People

Mark Farrelly
Patrick Hamilton

Mark's West End roles include Nick in Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (Trafalgar Studios). He is a prolific writer / performer of solo plays which constantly tour: Quentin Crisp: Naked Hope, The Silence of Snow: The Life of Patrick Hamilton and Jarman. He also wrote and appears in Howerd's End, alongside Simon Cartwright.

Linda Marlowe
Director

Mark Farrelly
Writer

Media

“Farrelly inhabits Hamilton with blazing fluidity”

The Times

“Horrifyingly funny snapshot of Mr Hamilton”

The Spectator

“Farrelly’s performance is electric”

What’s On Stage

Newsletter Signup