Hollyoaks actor Jessica Ellis steps in to play Michelle at last minute
First images released – show runs until 13 November – extra show added!
St Helens-born actor Michael Parr – best known for his role as an Emmerdale bad boy – came home to perform in his hometown last night in the raucous comedy Rita, Sue & Bob Too! receiving a rapturous welcome.
It’s not just a return to his hometown, it’s also a return to St Helens Theatre Royal, Michael last appeared at the town centre venue when he appeared in Willy Russell’s iconic stage production Blood Brothers in 2005. At the end of the show Michael announced “It’s good to be home” and received a rapturous applause from the St Helens audience.
Rita, Sue & Bob Too! Is now running at St Helens Theatre Royal until Sunday 13 November 2022. The show is suitable for over 18s only.
The hilarious comedy by Andrea Dunbar is based on the 1987 British film, and features a brilliantly funny script, impressive cast, and is bursting with all the best 80s music, taking audiences on a hilarious trip down memory lane through this cult classic.
Michael plays the role of Bob. He is joined by a fantastic cast including comedian Crissy Rock as Mother and Jamie Greer as Dad, Hollyoaks Jessica Ellis has stepped in at last minute to play Michelle, replacing Tori Hargreaveswho has had to step out due to illness; Olivia Sloyan is playing Sue; and Kay Nicholson is playing Rita.
Crissy and Olivia reprise their roles of Mother and Sue after appearing in the 2016 production of the show.
Previous productions of the comedy at St Helens Theatre Royal proved massively popular, breaking box office records in 2011, 2012, 2015, and 2016. The 2022 production is already seeing sell out shows with an extra performance added on Sunday at 2pm.
Rita, Sue & Bob Too! is a comedy, telling the gritty tale of love, lust, and the ultimate test of friendship.
Rita and Sue are two working class girls from a run-down council estate who are about to finish their final year at school. In their spare time, they earn money babysitting for married couple Bob and Michelle.
Behind Michelle’s back, Bob embarks on an affair with both Rita and Sue, who take it in turns with him in his car in the countryside. Michelle eventually finds out and leaves lothario Bob. When Bob later develops a preference for Rita, the two girls fall out but when Sue ends up in an abusive relationship, the trio are reunited.
It’s a welcome return to St Helens for award-winning actor Michael Parr.
After beginning his performing career aged 14, Michael was cast as Amahl in Amahl And The Night Visitors – and has since worked extensively across stage and screen in plays, musicals, TV, and feature films. He is best known for his award-winning portrayal of village bad boy and thug Ross Barton in ITV’s Emmerdale – a role which Michael maintains couldn’t be further from his own real-life personality.
Michael commented: “St Helens Theatre Royal is where it all began for me really – this is where I realised that I wanted to be a professional actor. Being back here really does feel like things have come full circle, it’s a wonderful feeling. I can only hope that I can inspire someone the way I was all those years ago.”
Rita, Sue & Bob Too! is brought to the stage by Regal Entertainments Ltd and directed by Chantelle Nolan, who is also Theatre Manager of St Helens Theatre Royal.
Follow St Helens Theatre Royal on social media channels:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/St-Helens-Theatre-Royal
Twitter: @TheatreRoyalStH
Instagram: @TheatreRoyalStH
SHOW LISTING
RITA, SUE AND BOB TOO
Date: Tuesday 8 November – Sunday 13 November 2022
Time: Various times
Tickets: From £18*
*All prices are inclusive of a £1 per seat booking fee. Online bookings are subject to an additional 50p per seat online processing fee.
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE:
Tuesday 8 November 2022 – 7.30pm
Wednesday 9 November 2022 – 7.30pm
Thursday 10 November 2022 – 7.30pm
Friday 11 November 2022 – 7.30pm
Saturday 12 November 2022 – 3pm / 8pm
Sunday 13 November 2022 – 2pm (extra show added) /6pm
THEATRE ROYAL BOOKING DETAILS
ST HELENS THEATRE ROYAL
Corporation Street, St Helens, Merseyside
WA10 1LQ
Telephone ticket booking line 01744 756000, lines open Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm.
Book online at www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com
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