Golden Mile visits Lowry
Blackpool – home to Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks, Tower-Top weddings and the world’s largest mirror ball. For some it is a place where companionship can be paid for and home is a hotel room along the famous Golden Mile.
Lancashire born Tom Bidwell makes his writing debut with his insightful and pointed new comedy Company Along The Mile. Directed by Justin Audibert, the lay opened at West Yorkshire Playhouse to packed audiences before beginning a small tour ending at The Lowry from 26-28 February. Bidwell’s enticing new comedy captures the unconventional spirit of Blackpool at its best.
Stella, a transvestite, pays George to meet her every Wednesday afternoon in her Blackpool hotel room for sandwiches and a quick flick through the obituaries. Stella dreams of promenades along the seafront, souvenir shopping and happy endings; George is edgy and watchful but has found an odd comfort in this curious arrangement. Conversations about the definition of pastries, hot childhood summers and failed trips abroad are interrupted by a single, mysterious knock at the door. Does somebody know about Stella and George? Has someone decided to reveal their secret?
Company Along The Mile, co-commissioned by West Yorkshire Playhouse, is produced by Milan Govedarica.
The cast includes Cheshire born Toby Sawyer as Stella, his credits include Mary Barton (Royal Exchange), Coming Around Again and Huddersfield (West Yorkshire Playhouse).Toby was a regular in Channel 4’s long standing drama Hollyoaks. Dominic Gately plays George, his credits include Monkey! Scuffer and Beauty and The Beast (West Yorkshire Playhouse) and Touched (Salisbury Playhouse). The Bell Boy is played by local Manchester boy John Catterall whose credits include Crap Dad (Bradford Theatre In The Mill), his television credits include The Choir, Beautiful People (BBC) and Boy A (Channel 4).