Theatre News

Top Gun Star Hits West Yorkshire Playhouse

Golden Globe nominated film star Kelly McGillis trades in Hollywood for Yorkshire when she visits the West Yorkshire Playhouse next month, in director Michael Lunny’s new production of Terrence McNally’s classic love story, Frankie & Johnny in the Clair de Lune.

She comes to the Playhouse in the lead role of Frankie in Middle Ground Theatre Company’s touring production which plays from 15 – 20 February in the Courtyard Theatre.

Many will be familiar with her role alongside Tom Cruise and Val Kilmar as sassy blonde pilot instructor Charlie in Top Gun. The film was the biggest grossing box office hit of 1986. Her other film hits include Witness with Harrison Ford, for which she received her golden globe nomination, and The Accused with Jodie Foster.

Her many stage appearances, include Sir Peter Hall’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Hedda Gabler on Broadway.

Kelly stars opposite West End and film favourite Rolf Saxon, winner of Best Actor in a Leading Role at the Manchester Evening News Theatre Awards for his performance as Victor Franz in ‘The Price’ by Arthur Miller at the Library Theatre, Manchester in 2005.

Rolf plays talkative chef Johnny, who falls hopelessly in love with sarcastic waitress Frankie, to her bemusement, after the co-workers end up in bed together after their first – and possibly last – night out.

Rolf’s wide film work includes Mission: Impossible and Entrapment. His West-End roles include Billy Flynn in Chicago, Laughter on the 23rd Floor, and The Seven Year Itch opposite Darryl Hannah.

Originally an Off-Broadway hit, Frankie and Johnny… may be best known for the 1991 film version which starred Al Pacino and Michelle Pfeiffer.

Tickets for Frankie & Johnny in the Clair de Lune are available at www.wyp.org.uk or by calling the West Yorkshire Playhouse Box Office on 0113 213 7700.

– Vicky Ellis