Dr Whackoff (Brighton)

Half psychiatrist, half bar-fly. Whackoff turned up at Saucy Jacks one day - nobody's too sure when or from where, but he's clearly not from around these parts. Older than the others and very odd. Somewhat Freudian.

David Howse

From a very early age David has always had a creative flare in a variety of media. David has been lucky enough to be able to exercise his talents in many fields. David has worked in theatre in both amateur and professional capacity as director and actor.

"I have always had a love of theatre; I guess I inherited that from my father who used to work in the industry. For me it’s the magic that theatre creates. I love live entertainment, and the ability to transport an audience to another time and place, to shock, amaze and touch them. There are not many jobs where you get the opportunity to do that."

"My first experience of theatre was at a local amateur theatre in Northampton where I saw many pantomimes and children's shows. This inspired me to join their youth drama club. From there the progression was inevitable. I studied Theatre at school and University and in the course of engaging in many shows both on and off stage, developed something of a reputation in local circles. As any actor or director will tell you it’s always lovely to be wanted! But seriously, it gave me a great opportunity to play a great variety of roles and to cut my teeth in acting as it were."

"I enjoyed performing and backstage work and in particular lighting. And still get called on to this day to light shows. I've always tried to bring something new to each production that I'm involved with. Directorial successes included the 'stage premiere' of Victoria Woods 'Dinner Ladies' and the production of sketches by writing trio Rowan Atkinson, Richard Curtis and Ben Elton.

"My latest acting role, called for me not to be seen at all (all the better I hear you cry). The role of Audrey II (or 'the plant') in Little Shop of Horrors was so much fun to play, with huge vocal scope. Singing and acting from the back of the theatre, it takes just as much energy if not more - to bring Audrey II to life. I was bobbing and swaying with every twist of the plant as I sang and rocked my way through the show. You can’t sing numbers like that and stand still!

"Most recently, I have had the great pleasure of working on the great cult Rock/Punk Opera 'Hedwig and the Angry Inch'. A fantastic journey for all involved. So in its third successful run – I was pleased to be back with the team.

David has been a fan of ‘Saucy Jack’ for many years now first catching site of the sequined heel in London, at its custom venue. Instantly captivated by the energy of the production, David became a fan. After seeing many productions of the show both amateur and professional David is now pleased to be playing the role of Dr von Whackoff.

“It's a great role that requires many levels of ‘character’. Whackoff’s character is deeper than people think – with a slightly clammy hand, Whackoff guides us through his experiences at seedy night spot Saucy Jacks. As a doctor with ‘specific tastes’, he has one or two surprises in store along the way. The doctor although slightly eccentric is a very deep, thoughtful, contemplative character – if you look really hard – I think you’ll find – we all need a little Whackoff every now and again!

And that IS a promise!