Next week sees my long overdue return to the stage in John Godber's classic rugby comedy 'UP n UNDER' at the Redditch Palace Theatre playing Wednesday 28th & Thursday 29th March at 7.30pm for THE LITTLE ENGLISH THEATRE ... To book your tickets follow the link http://www.redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk/whats-on/all-shows/up-n-under/
It's getting on for nearly TWENTY YEARS since I last appeared in a full length play! "Probably for the best!!" - I hear you cry ;o) I play the 'hero' of the piece, ex-professional rugby player ARTHUR HOYLE who makes a rash bet with local Mister Big REG WELSH that he can train the lamentable Wheatsheaf Arms sevens team to beat Reg's 'unbeatable' Cobblers Arms at the next Castleford Amateur Rugby League Seven-A-Side Tournament!
It's been quite a journey for my little brain to have a complete show in there, a very satisfying one also. Reflecting back on my career, I remember at one stage having TWO PLAYS in my head when I worked at the UNICORN CHILDREN'S THEATRE in the WEST END when I was in both 'STIG OF THE DUMP' and 'THE MONSTER GARDEN' playing in repertory.
It's been a wonderful rehearsal process with a cast including (as it happens) lots of friends who I have never appeared on stage with before and some new - so it's been a real treat all round. The cast includes BECKY NEALE, LAURENCE SAUNDERS, GREG HOBBS, NATHAN BLYTH, PAUL LUMSDEN and STEPHAN BESSANT who also directs!
Come on down next week if you're in the area and have some pre-Easter sporting fun. SCRUM DOWN!!!
