Billy Liar set for Royal Exchange, 13 June

Billy Liar – the classic tale of northern life in the 1960s – comes to Manchester’s Royal Exchange Theatre from 13 June to 12 July.

Adapted for the stage by Keith Waterhouse and Willis Hall from Waterhouse’s original 1959 novel, the action of the play revolves around Billy Fisher – a 19-year-old nobody.

Living at home with his parents and grandmother, and working a dead end job in an undertakers, it is only through his fantastic imagination that he can escape the day-to-day drudgery.

Set over one eventful Saturday, Billy’s lies spark a series of explosive, emotional confrontations. And though the northern lad harbours dreams of running away to London to become a scriptwriter, Billy’s plans are threatened by his family’s expectations, his romantic affairs and his own fears.

Harry McEntire plays Billy in this new production. His previous Royal Exchange credits include Winterlong Soho and Punk Rock.

The cast also includes Aaron Anthony, Emily Barber, Jack Deam, Rebekah Hinds, Katie Moore, Lisa Millett and Sue Wallace

The production is directed by Stockport-born Sam Yates. His other recent credits include Cornelius, Mixed Marriage and Poetry Week . He was named a rising star in The Observer in 2014, and featured in GQ Magazine's "Men Of The Next 25 Years" in theatre in 2013.

The set design is by David Woodhead, lighting is by David Plater Isobel Waller-Bridge is composer and sound.