Ricky Tomlinson returns to the stage the tour of Irish Annie’s

November 24, 2023
by Editor

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Ricky Tomlinson, an actor and comedian, will return to the stage in the popular musical comedy that celebrates the best of Irish culture.

The Irish Annie’s tour will kick off on Monday, March 11th at the William Aston Hall in Wrexham, and will visit a total of 25 venues across England, Scotland, and Wales. The show will now make its debut in Ireland, stopping at five different locations across the country. The UK and Ireland tour will conclude on Saturday, May 4th, with a special homecoming night at the Liverpool Olympia.Tickets for all venues are on sale and moving quickly!

Irish Annie’s is a celebration of Irish culture, from music to comedy, with the well-known live 6-piece band The Shenanigans performing. Meet landlady Annie and her regular Madcap customers for an evening of comedy, music and mayhem, featuring original tracks written for the show by Asa Murphy as well as your all-time favourite Irish tunes such as Galway Shawl, Tell Me Ma, Dirty Old Town, Whisky In The Jar, Danny Boy and many more. The audience is expected to laugh, sing, and dance their way through the evening.

Ricky Tomlinson will appear in the pub as a celebrity guest. Ricky is a well-known actor and comedian who has spent his entire life in Liverpool. He is best known for his roles in Brookside as Bobby Grant, Cracker as DCI Charlie Wise, and The Royle Family as Jim Royle. In the film Mike Bassett: England Manager, he also played the title character. He is an accomplished musician who can play both the banjo and the harmonica.

Ricky Tomlinson returns to the stage the tour of Irish Annie's

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”.

Irish Annie’s is co-produced by Bill Elms Productions (Judy & Liza, Jerry Springer The Opera, Swan Song, Something About George) and Asa Murphy Productions (Buddy Holly Lives, The Bobby Darin Story, New Generations).

Catherine Rice portrays Irish Annie, Asa Murphy portrays Seamus Murphy, Michael Alan-Bailey portrays Porky the Postman and Joe, Richard Barry portrays Noel Singen-Smithe, and Maria Lovelady portrays Moira the Money Lender and May. Some pubs frequently have a special celebrity guest walk through the door.

Producer Bill Elms commented:

“Irish Annie’s is the perfect show to bring out around St Patricks Day celebrations, it’s a huge feel-good show filled with great comedy, live music and some larger-than-life characters, I am thrilled that we have such a fantastic cast including Ricky Tomlinson, Asa Murphy, and Catherine Rice.

“The show premiered in Liverpool a few years ago and went down a storm, now it’s even bigger and better than before, this will be the biggest tour we have done, I am excited to get the show on the road, especially taking the show over to Ireland.”

The show was created and directed by Asa Murphy. For the past 18 years, Asa has been a successful entertainer. He has travelled the world performing Big Band Swing music and my original songs. Many of his dreams as a performer have come true, including selling out London’s Ronnie Scott’s, topping the bill at the famous Liverpool Empire, and cruising and singing on the world’s most beautiful liners. Asa also hosts a popular BBC Radio show that has been on the air for ten years. He turned his talents to writing stage musicals in 2019 and has had three hit shows so far: Buddy Holly Lives, Mack The Knife, and Irish Annie’s, as well as two children’s shows.

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. Laughter, music, and the ability to make people face life’s difficult obstacles through friendship.

“I am very proud that the show has been so well received in the UK and with my family originating from Cork and Tralee and many still living in Ireland, the Ireland dates will be a special personal moment and I am looking forward to catching up with family and friends in the Emerald Isle.”