Ricky Tomlinson's stage return coming to Port Talbot

Actor and comedian, Ricky Tomlinson returns to the stage this Spring to tour in a popular musical comedy that celebrates the best of Irish culture. It has also been announced that Stephen Fletcher will direct the new version of Irish Annie’s, which has brand-new songs and scenes written by Asa Murphy.

The Irish Annie’s tour will be heading to Port Talbot’s Princess Royal Theatre on Thursday 25^th April. Tickets are on sale and are selling fast!

Irish Annie’s is a celebration of Irish culture, from the music to the comedy, featuring a live 5-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. He is a very keen musician playing both the banjo and harmonica.

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. There is often a special celebrity guest popping through the pub door at some venues.

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 more than18 years. He has performed all over the world singing Big Band Swing music and my own self-penned songs. 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.

THE PRINCESS ROYAL THEATRE – PORT TALBOT

Thu 25 April at 7.30pm