Star Studded Play by Rotherham Writer Highlights the Unseen Battle of Male Carers

Ever think about the quiet superheroes living among us? Not the ones with capes, but the everyday people doing extraordinary things when no one’s looking. It turns out, many of these heroes are men and boys who look after family members, and their stories are often left untold. A powerful new audio drama called Hidden Men is changing that, and it's brought together a South Yorkshire writer and a genuine television legend. The project shines a light on the unseen world of male carers, blending authentic local storytelling with some seriously impressive international acting talent. It’s a story about strength, love, and the quiet challenges of caring that happen in kitchens and gardens every single day.

Listen here: https://linktr.ee/hiddenmencic

From Ramsay street to Rotherham: an unexpected team-up

Right, imagine one of the most famous TV doctors in the world. For anyone who’s ever watched the classic show Neighbours, the name Dr Karl Kennedy is instantly recognisable. Well, the actor who played him, the legendary Australian actor Alan Fletcher, has lent his famous voice to a project created right here in Yorkshire. He’s teamed up with Rotherham writer and performer Malcolm J Hogan for this new audio drama. It’s a bit like your favourite blockbuster film star showing up to act in the school play – a brilliant surprise that shows just how special the story is. Fletcher was approached by Hogan with the script for Hidden Men, and it clearly made an impact. During a chat on BBC Radio Sheffield on March 12, 2026, Alan Fletcher explained why he got involved.

Speaking about the project, Fletcher said the script immediately connected with him. “When I read the script, I thought this is something that’s going to be so valuable. I think it’s something that’s going to give people a lot of solace.” He knows that people taking on caring roles are all around us, in every part of society. As he put it, “Our society is full of carers, people looking after others and doing wonderful things for people, but often they’re completely unheralded.” The involvement of such a well-known Australian actor, famous for playing Dr Karl Kennedy, brings a global spotlight to these very personal stories, highlighting the universal emotional realities of the caring journey.

So, what’s ‘hidden men’ all about?

This isn't a story about grand, dramatic events. Instead, the audio drama focuses on the small, real moments that make up daily life for male carers. Think about trying to balance schoolwork, a job, or hanging out with mates, all while making sure a family member is safe and well. That’s the world Hidden Men explores. The story is told through five connected monologues from characters named Sid, Jack, Danny, Arthur, and Freddie. Each one is trying to keep their life on track – managing work, friendships, and relationships – while also dealing with the huge responsibility of caring. They are all working to maintain their own identity while being dedicated to someone else.

Alan Fletcher voices Arthur, a retired teacher whose partner is gradually being lost to dementia. It’s a situation that, sadly, many families face. The scenes take place in totally normal settings like kitchens, gardens, and on the bus, showing how caring quietly shapes every part of daily life. The script by Hogan captures these emotional realities with incredible heart and honesty. And the cast is packed with talent. Alongside Alan Fletcher, you’ll hear:

• Toby Foster (comedian and BBC Radio Sheffield presenter)

• Scott Wright (from Coronation Street)

• Matthew James Morrison (from EastEnders)

• Ryan Mulvey (from Hollyoaks)

Together, they create a performance that’s full of humour, vulnerability, and incredible resilience. This blend of international acting talent and grounded local storytelling makes the experience of listening to Hidden Men so powerful, and it really showcases the human spirit.

The story behind the script

What makes this audio drama so authentic is that it comes from a place of real experience. The writer, Malcolm J Hogan, is a full-time carer for his wife. He didn't just imagine these stories; he lives this reality. Hogan wrote the script to show the world the balancing act of love and responsibility that so many male carers face every day. It's his personal experience that gives the storytelling its power, exploring the emotional realities of what it means to be one of the many hidden men in our society.

For Hogan, the project is deeply personal, and he hopes it makes a real difference. He explained, “Hidden Men was created to reflect stories that are happening every day but are rarely acknowledged.” It’s a mission to bring these experiences out of the shadows. “As a male carer myself, I know how many men carry these responsibilities quietly. If the work helps someone feel less alone or encourages greater understanding, then it has done its job.” This powerful act of storytelling is about building community and fostering peer connection among those who might feel isolated in their caring role. The project by Hogan gives a voice to those who often go unheard.

More than just a story

Listening to Hidden Men is just the beginning. The audio drama is also the launchpad for a brand-new social enterprise, Hidden Men CIC. A CIC is a community interest company, which is a special type of not-for-profit organisation that exists to benefit the community rather than make money for shareholders. Established by Malcolm J Hogan, its goal is to provide real support for male carers across the country. It plans to do this through creative storytelling, building partnerships with community groups, and creating opportunities for peer connection. It’s about building a network where men in similar situations can share their experiences and find strength together.

This project is a perfect example of how a simple story can grow into something much bigger, creating a lasting positive impact on society. It takes the deeply personal experience of caring and uses it to build resilience and community. As Alan Fletcher said, it’s a project that captures a “beautiful piece of human spirit that I think would resonate with a lot of people.” And he’s right. Whether you know a carer, are a carer, or just appreciate a powerful story, Hidden Men offers something truly special. The audio drama is available to listen to now on major streaming platforms.