Homebaked new season for Royal Court Liverpool
The inspiring story behind Anfield’s famous community bakery Homebaked is set to be immortalised in a new musical being premiered at the Royal Court this autumn.
Former Chumbawamba guitarist Boff Whalley is penning the show which will be staged from September 24 to October 23.
The musical, a co-production between the Royal Court and Red Ladder Theatre Company, is part of a new season announced for the Roe Street Art Deco theatre.
It is based on the true story of a community coming together to see off property developers and reclaim their homes and businesses.
The show will be directed by Red Ladder’s Rod Dixon and Pauline Daniels is among the cast.
Meanwhile the Royal Court and Red Ladder will be working with members of the community in Anfield to create a choir that will also become a part of the production.
Writer Boff Whalley says: “I was asked to be involved in writing a musical about Homebaked and I thought it was perfect – a great real life story of a community pulling together and making something work.
“What I loved about making Homebaked into a musical comedy is that it's a good night out, and a way to feel inspired and positive.
“Music and laughter are so important to stories like this – changing the world one singalong chorus at a time. It's what we all need right now; that sense of feeling stronger together."
Boisterous Theatre Company's Bouncers
Elsewhere there is also Ellen and Rigby, a new comedy from Gerry Linford (Yellow Breck Road, The Menlove Avenue Murder Mystery) and which stars Royal Court favourites Lindzi Germain and Andrew Schofield. It opens on July 2 with Stephen Fletcher directing.
And there is also a return to the main stage for Boisterous Theatre Company’s energetic new version of John Godber’s classic comedy Bouncers, running from August 13 to September 11.
Royal Court Executive Producer Kevin Fearon says: “It feels like it's been a very long time since we had an audience in the building. We managed to open for three weeks over Christmas but otherwise it's been more than 12 months since our last show.
“During that time the audience has been amazingly supportive of every change that we’ve had to make, and I’d like to thank them for that.
“Arts Council England has helped us to access funding from the Culture Recovery Fund which has helped us enormously and the staff, cast and crew here have been incredible in very trying circumstances.
“We can’t wait to get back to doing what we do best in front of packed houses here at the Court.”
The new season has been revealed as part of a joint announcement with the Unity and the Everyman and Playhouse who have also unveiled their new shows today.
For more on all the new Royal Court shows, visit the website HERE