Lung Ha at 40: Spotlight on… Mark Howie

Aug 27 2024 | By Thom Dibdin | Reply More

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of Lung Ha Theatre Company, All Edinburgh Theatre is delighted to collaborate with the award-winning professional company for actors and theatre makers who are autistic or learning-disabled.

Lung Ha have marked the occasion by commissioning a series of portraits of every member of its 25-strong ensemble from Edinburgh-based photographer Peter Dibdin. Æ will publish the individual portraits over the coming year of celebrations (see our News story: Lung Ha hit 40). We are publishing a new spotlight on a different actor every fortnight.

Lung Ha Actor Mark Howie, photographed by Peter Dibdin for Lung Ha’s 40th year celebrations.

Spotlight #8: Mark Howie

Mark has been with Lung Ha since 2007 and played the Henchman in 2008’s Can We Live With You, his first production of 16 (so far) with the company, with his most recent being the award-winning Castle Lennox (Æ review: ★★★★☆ Huge humanity) when he played one the patients, Noah.

Other roles have included the Mayor of Edinburgh in the immersive Dr Stirlingshire’s Discovery, a co-production in 2018 with Grid Iron which took place after hours in Edinburgh Zoo. In The Strange Case of Jekyll and Hyde (2015) he played Dr Jekyll’s son William – never far from his needlework. And in Around the World in 80 Days he played Passepartout

Mark enjoys meeting the other actors and very talented staff. He loves the variety of plays and enjoys the new experiences he has. Everyone’s so friendly and welcoming. Lung Ha is a big part of Mark’s life and the highlight of his week.

Lung Ha Actor Mark Howie, photographed by Peter Dibdin for Lung Ha’s 40th year celebrations.

Mark Howie Q&A

What do you think is the most fabulous thing about being an actor? Being on stage.

If you could give an aspiring actor one piece of advice, what would it be? Be yourself and you will love it.

40 years is a big milestone during which we look back but also look ahead! What are your hopes or ambitions for the future? To continue doing drama and being part of Lung Ha.

The 40th anniversary photo shoot took place at the Traverse Theatre. Costumes by Karen Tennent; hair and make-up by Catherine Christie.

Browse the rest of the Spotlight on series here.