Five Reasons To See … The Queen of the North
The world premiere of The Queen of the North will be coming to the Octagon Theatre Bolton, a tender, funny and insightful new play about the life of famed actress Pat Phoenix. Elizabeth Newman, director of the production and Associate Director at the Octagon, gives you five great reasons why you should come and see this new drama.
1. It is about an iconic northern star – Pat Phoenix of Coronation Street
Pat Phoenix walked the famous cobbled streets as the fiery Elsie Tanner. She was in Corrie for nearly 25 years and we’re giving you the opportunity to get to know the real woman!
2. Backstage secrets
Phoenix’s life very much mirrored that of the character she played on the street. This new drama gives you an insight into what happens behind the scenes, both back stage and off camera. The glamour and the grit come together to tell you the truth about her life as a star.
3. A celebration of northern women
Pat Phoenix is one of the great iconic figures to emerge from television. Her potential was realised in Britain’s greatest soap in a part that she took to her heart. Born into a working-class family in Manchester she worked hard and turned herself into a house hold name. She was loved by millions.
4. A superb cast
Not only do we have the captivating Lynda Rooke, a familiar face on both stage and television, playing Pat Phoenix but also the delightful John McArdle playing Tony Booth. John knows Tony very well – he even been Tony’s best man! The two ‘tour de forces’ are joined by four other exceptional talents who will become the many people in Pat’s life including Violet Carson and Alan Browning.
5. A new play by a great writer
Ron Rose wrote the celebrated television drama about the life of Pat Phoenix: The Things You Do for Love: Against the Odds that aired in 1998. He revisits her life here in this new play written specifically for the Octagon. Ron captures Pat’s love of life and people. He makes us laugh and cry in a heartbeat, and reminds us the pursuit of love is an honourable life mission!
The Queen of the North is at the Bolton Octagon from 3 – 26 May.
