ACTOR and comedian Ricky Tomlinson is set to make his stage comeback in St Helens in a new musical comedy that celebrates the best of Irish culture.

Irish Annie’s will be staged around the St Patricks Day celebrations at St Helens Theatre Royal on Monday, March 14.

Irish Annie’s is a celebration of Irish culture, from the music to the comedy, featuring the well-known live six-piece band The Shenanigans and songs such as Galway Shawl, Tell Me Ma, Dirty Old Town, Whiskey In The Jar, Danny Boy and many more.

Tomlinson, 82, will join the cast starring as Scouse Pete. The much-loved actor and comedian is best known for his roles as Bobby Grant in Brookside, DCI Charlie Wise in Cracker and Jim Royle in The Royle Family and also played the title character in the film Mike Bassett: England Manager. He is a very keen musician playing both the banjo and harmonica.

He said: “This show is a delight to be part of, with a wonderful cast of characters and beautiful original and classic Irish music.

"Come and enjoy the show, I guarantee you will have a ball."

Irish Annie’s is co-produced by Bill Elms Productions (Judy & Liza, Jerry Springer The Opera, Swan Song, Something About Simon) and Asa Murphy Productions (Buddy Holly Lives, The Bobby Darin Story).

The show also stars Catherine Rice as Irish Annie, Asa Murphy as Seamus Murphy, Nathan Murphy as Porky the Postman, Sam Conlan as Noel Singen-Smithe and Pauline Donovan as Moira the Money Lender.

Producer Bill Elms said: “Irish Annie’s is the perfect show to bring out around St Patricks Day, it’s a huge feel-good show filled with great comedy and live music, I am thrilled that we have such a fantastic cast including Ricky Tomlinson, Asa Murphy and Catherine Rice.

"The show premiered in Liverpool two years ago and went down a storm, now it’s even bigger and better than before, look out for more dates still to come.”

Asa Murphy added: “This show is a celebration of everything that makes Irish culture and the people of Ireland so special. Laughter, music, and the ability to make people face life’s difficult obstacles through friendship. I am very proud that the show has been so well received with my family originating from Cork and Tralee and many still living in Ireland."

Irish Annie’s is at Theatre Royal, St Helens, on Monday, March 14 2022 at 7.30pm.

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