Ricky Tomlinson to star in Irish Annie's on stage this spring

Ricky Tomlinson returns to the stage in Liverpool this spring in a musical comedy play which celebrates Irish culture.

The Royle Family and Brookside star will play Scouse Pete in Irish Annie’s which is coming to St Helens Theatre Royal as well as Liverpool’s Epstein Theatre.

The production, which also stars its creator Asa Murphy along with Catherine Rice (pictured) as the titular pub landlady Annie and live six-piece band The Shenanigans, will be staged on either side of St Patrick’s Day.

Tomlinson said: “This show is a delight to be part of, with a wonderful cast of characters and beautiful original and classic Irish music.”

Irish Annie’s is a co-production between Murphy and Bill Elms Productions, and also stars Nathan Murphy, Sam Conlan and Pauline Donovan.

Asa Murphy has written some original tracks while audiences can also enjoy Irish favourites including Whiskey in the Jar, Dirty Old Town and Danny Boy.

It was premiered at the Epstein Theatre just ahead of the first lockdown in March 2020 and now returns to the stage.

Murphy, whose family hail from Cork and Tralee, said: “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’m very proud it’s been so well received.”

Along with Liverpool and St Helens the show will play the Joe Longthorne Theatre in Blackpool on July 1, and there are plans to take it on a wider tour including future dates in Ireland.

Irish Annie’s is at St Helens Theatre Royal on March 14 and the Epstein Theatre on March 19.