ACTOR and comedian, Ricky Tomlinson, will be visiting the St Helens Theatre Royal during a tour of a musical comedy that celebrates the best of Irish culture.
The Irish Annie’s tour will commence close to the St Patrick's Day celebrations at the William Aston Hall in Wrexham on Monday, March 11, and will visit a further 25 venues across England, Scotland, and Wales, including St Helens Theatre Royal on Monday, March 18 at 7.30pm.
The show will also premiere in Ireland, visiting five venues across the country.
Irish Annie’s is a celebration of Irish culture, from the music to the comedy, featuring live five-piece band, The Shenanigans.
Meet landlady Annie and her regular madcap customers for a fun night out of comedy, music and mayhem, featuring original tracks written for the show by Asa Murphy, along with your all-time favourite Irish tunes including Galway Shawl, Tell Me Ma, Dirty Old Town, Whiskey In The Jar, Danny Boy and many more.
The evening promises to have the audience laughing, singing, and dancing the night away.
Ricky Tomlinson will perform as himself as a celebrity guest in the pub.
Ricky is a much-loved actor and comedian living all his life in Liverpool. He is best known for his roles as Bobby Grant in Brookside, DCI Charlie Wise in Cracker and Jim Royle in The Royle Family, he also played the title character in the film Mike Bassett: England Manager.
Ricky said: "This show is a delight to be part of, with a wonderful cast of characters and beautiful original and classic Irish music.
"Come and enjoy the show and sing-along with the song sheets provided. I guarantee you will have a ball."
The show also sees the return of Catherine Rice as Irish Annie and Asa Murphy as Seamus Murphy. New to the company are Michael Alan-Bailey as Porky the Postman and Joe, Richard Barry as Noel Singen-Smithe and Maria Lovelady as Moira the Money Lender and May.
Irish Annie’s is written by Asa Murphy (Buddy Holly Lives, The Bobby Darin Story, New Generations), directed by Stephen Fletcher (A Thong For Europe, A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum, NHS The Musical) and co-produced by Bill Elms Productions (Judy & Liza, Jerry Springer The Opera, Swan Song, Something About George).
Asa Murphy, who has created the show, has been a successful entertainer for over 18 years.
He has fulfilled many of his dreams as a performer selling out London's Ronnie Scott’s, topping the bill at the famous Liverpool Empire, and cruising and singing on the most beautiful liners in the world. In 2019 he turned his talents to writing stage musicals and has so far had three hit shows, Buddy Holly Lives, Mack The Knife and Irish Annie’s along with two children’s shows.
Writer, co-producer and performer Asa Murphy added: "This show is a celebration of everything that makes Irish culture and the people of Ireland so special. Laughter, music, and the ability to make people face life’s difficult obstacles through friendship.
"I am very proud that the show has been so well received in the UK and with my family originating from Cork and Tralee and many still living in Ireland, the Ireland dates will be a special personal moment and I am looking forward to catching up with family and friends in the Emerald Isle."
For tickets, visit sthelenstheatreroyal.com
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