Victoria Wood’s Acorn Antiques – first look at concert production

Exclusive: The new revival of Acorn Antiques The Musical has released photos following its first Manchester performance.

Based on the iconic sketch by Victoria Wood, the musical is set in Manchesterford, a place full of quaint, old-fashioned shops. One of those is the infamous Acorn Antiques, run by sisters Miss Babs and Miss Berta. That is, until the store becomes under threat from high street developers, loan sharks, and family secrets!

It first premiered in the West End in 2005, featuring Wood herself, Julie Walters, Celia Imrie, and Duncan Preston. However, it is the 2007 tour script that will be presented for the event.

As already revealed, the fundraising concert is directed by the Hope Mill Theatre’s Joseph Houston and William Whelton, celebrating ten years of the Manchester theatre, with box office proceeds going towards their Outreach programme.

The next performance will be at the West End’s Shaftesbury Theatre on Sunday, 9 November at 7.30pm, before an additional night at Manchester’s Opera House Theatre on Sunday, 16 November at 5pm.

Appearing at the concerts are Katherine Kingsley as Miss Babs, Gina Beck as Miss Berta, Anna Jane Casey as Miss Bonnie, Tony Jayawardena as Mr Clifford, Rob Madge as Derek, Harry Hepple as Tony, May Tether as Mimi, Elliot Broadfoot as Hugh, Grace Mouat as Miss Wellbelove, Sally Bankes as Christine, George Crawford as Minchin’s lad, Laura Medforth as Miss Cuff, Steve Elias as Mr Watkins, Samuel Holmes as Mr Furlong, Daniele Coombe as Miss Willoughby, Bradley Judge as Postie and Althea Burey as Lucy Lollipop.

In addition, Ria Jones will reprise her role as Mrs Overall.

The concert will have musical direction and supervision by Nigel Lilley, choreography by Sammy Murray, sound by Matt Peploe, set design by Sophia Pardon, costume design by Lorraine Parry, wigs by Chrissie Baker, lighting by Aaron Dootson, orchestrations by Chris Walker, assistant musical direction by Archie McMorran and artwork by Steph Pyne.

Tickets for the performances are on sale now.