The Stage

Little Malcolm and his Struggle against the Eunuchs

Published Thursday 12 February 2004 at 14:55 by Natalie Anglesey

Men Behaving Badly is the generic title of the Octagon’s new mini-series, which includes David Halliwell’s biting satire on student rebellion followed, in March, by Four Nights in Knaresborough.

Little Malcolm, which incidentally is currently celebrating its 40th anniversary, made a powerful impact when it was first performed in the swinging sixties and so potent is the content of this work about political corruption, that it still has much to offer audiences today.

Set in Huddersfield, during a bleak winter in the mid-sixties, Patrick Connellan’s stunning attic design sets the scene for Mark Babych’s first-rate production. Sharply directed, it unravels to reveal the blurred edges between the comical student fantasies, which dramatically become the terrifyingly real consequences of blindly following a charismatic leader.

Although this is largely an ensemble piece, Malcolm, the rebellious art student leader who forms his own political party, is powerfully realised by Paul Simpson. There are also excellent performances from his band of would-be renegades. Graeme Hawley is Wick and William Ash is Irwin, while Jeff Hordley is exactly right as Nipple, their rather gormless friend. Samantha Power also makes a mark in the small but vital role of Ann.

The collective television appearances of the cast are certainly drawing a younger than average audience to the Octagon and, if these students appear to stem from an enthusiastic fan base, that is no bad thing if it introduces them to theatre of this quality.