Little Malcolm and his Struggle Against the Eunuchs

Synopsis

A cold, bleak attic in Huddersfield during a harsh 1960s winter, where a group of disaffected young men plot their absurd revolution

Malcolm Scrawdyke, a recently expelled art student, channels his rage and frustration into forming the “Party of Dynamic Erection,” a pseudo-fascist group intent on overthrowing the societal “eunuchs” he blames for his failures. Joined by his equally disenchanted friends Wick, Irwin, and Nipple, Malcolm embarks on an increasingly delusional and darkly comical campaign of revenge against the college establishment and society at large.

Halliwell’s play is a biting satire of youthful rebellion and the allure of extremist ideologies. Through Malcolm’s grandiose speeches and the group’s absurd planning sessions, the play explores the thin line between revolutionary fervor and dangerous authoritarianism. The bleak Huddersfield setting serves as a metaphor for the characters’ stunted ambitions and the harsh realities they face. As the plot unfolds, the play delves into themes of masculinity, power, and the failure of 1960s counterculture to effect meaningful change, all while maintaining a darkly humorous tone that highlights the ridiculousness of Malcolm’s struggle.