Who better to stick up for cavemen than the man who was Neighbours’ Joe Mangel? David Whetstone enjoys a chat with Mark Little.

It has been widely praised and, back in 2000, it won an Olivier Award as Best Entertainment.

“I started in it in 1999 so this is my 10th anniversary with the show,” says Mark.

“It’s a really wonderfully observed piece of writing but it should now be much more relevant to English audiences.”

Defending The Caveman was written as a solo show by an American, Rob Becker, who also performed in it. Premiered in San Francisco in 1991, it has since become the longest-running solo play in Broadway history and has been translated into 16 languages.

“But it’s got different owners now, so I’ve been able to take out the Oprah Winfrey therapy stuff and all the things English audiences don’t need to know about,” chirps Mark.

Keeping it firmly in the family, the director of the show, which is currently on an extensive national tour, is Mark’s wife, Cathy Farr.

Mark says the show is aimed at everyone and, while it might appear to be a defence of caveman-like behaviour – which might not equate in your mind with good manners – he stresses that the real message is that “men and women are equal – but different”.

He finds himself in agreement with another exiled Aussie, Germaine Greer, who has written on the subject. And, frankly, apart from their country of origin, it is hard to think of two people who might best illustrate the differences between the sexes. Mark and Germaine cosying up beside the barbie? Can’t picture it somehow.

:: Defending The Caveman is at The Journal Tyne Theatre, Newcastle, from Thursday to Saturday. Call 0844 493 9999 for details.