HOWIE THE ROOKIE
Performed at The Cockpit in April & May 2026
Reviewed by Sinéad May Keegan
As an Irish artist, it’s exciting to encounter ‘Howie the Rookie’ on a London stage—particularly in a production driven by American performers. Mark O’Rowe’s text is iconic for a reason: ferocious, rhythmic, and darkly funny, it captures a distinctly Dublin voice while speaking to something more universal. In this collaboration between The Cockpit and Burning Coal Theatre Company, that voice feels both preserved and newly energised.
Structured as two interlocking monologues, the play unfolds across a volatile 24-hour period, following Howie Lee and The Rookie Lee as petty humiliations escalate into violence. Under the direction of Jerome Davis, the production leans into the muscularity of the text, allowing language and performance to take centre stage, in the round, with a minimal set.
The performances are strong, energetic, and well-considered. Lucius Robinson brings clarity and control to Howie, navigating the pace and density of the text with confidence while uncovering moments of humour that cut through the character’s bravado. Andrew Price Carlile, as The Rookie, is engaging and assured, with a natural ease on stage that keeps the storytelling fluid and compelling throughout.
As a Dubliner myself, who has seen this play previously in an Irish theatre (directed by O’Rowe), I wondered how it would translate, but the production clearly demonstrates how O’Rowe’s work transcends borders, with its themes of masculinity, pride, and violence resonating far beyond its Dublin setting.
It's early in the run, and the audience was small. For a show of this quality—sharp writing, thoughtful direction, and committed, energised, passionate acting — you could expect a bigger crowd as word of mouth takes effect. Comparatively unfamiliar work is always a challenge - and for an out-of-town company, more of a challenge still but this is iconic text mobilised by top quality performances.
Howie the Rookie remains as urgent as ever, its exploration of performative masculinity and escalating violence unsettlingly familiar. This production meets that urgency with clarity and restraint. It is energetic, often funny, and consistently engaging: actor-led, in the round, exhilarating theatre.
Sinéad works at the Cockpit as part of our box office team and as our London Fringe Theatre Network Co-ordinator. She is also an actor and a creative who has worked extensively on both stage and screen in the UK and Ireland.
HOWIE THE ROOKIE played at The Cockpit in April & May 2026
Writer - Mark O'Rowe
Director - Jerome Davis
Cast - Andrew Price Carlile & Lucius Robinson
Produced by The Cockpoit in collaboration with Burning Coal Theatre Company
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