Actor and comedian Ricky Tomlinson is to return to the stage in the popular musical comedy that celebrates the best of Irish culture.
The new tour of Irish Annie’s will begin with the St Patricks Day celebrations at the William Aston Hall in Wrexham on March 11 and will visit 25 venues across Great Britain. The show will also play five venues in Ireland, the tour ending with a homecoming night at Liverpool's Olympia on May 4.
Irish Annie’s is a celebration of Irish music and comedy featuring six-piece band The Shenanigans. Pub landlady Annie and her regular customers offer a fun-filled night of comedy, music and general mayhem, with original music written for the show by creator Asa Murphy, as well as many favourite Irish tunes.
Ricky Tomlinson will appear as himself, as a celebrity guest in the pub. Ricky - probably best-known as Jim Royle in The Royle Family, is looking forward to another run in the show.
"It's a delight to be part of, with a wonderful cast of characters and beautiful original and classic Irish music – there are even song sheets for the audience. I guarantee you'll have a ball”.
The show also stars Catherine Rice as Annie, Asa Murphy as Seamus, Michael Alan-Bailey as Porky the Postman, Richard Barry and Maria Lovelady. Some venues might also feature special guests.
Producer Bill Elms said: “It’s a feelgood show filled with great comedy, live music and some larger-than-life characters. It first appeared in Liverpool and went down a storm; now it’s even bigger and better and this will be the biggest tour we've done. I'm excited to get it out on the road – especially over to Ireland.”
Writer, director, and performer Asa Murphy added: “This show is a celebration of everything that makes Irish culture and the people of Ireland so special. My family originated from Cork and Tralee and many members still live in Ireland, so the Irish dates will be a special personal moment.”
Info, tour dates and tickets here