Maureen Lipman returns to Birmingham Repertory Theatre this October in a brand new play by Oliver Cotton, Daytona.
Maureen Lipman (Elli) by Manuel Harlan
The production replaces the recently postponed A Passionate Woman starring Lynda Bellingham and opens in the newly refurbished theatre from 21 to 26 October.
Directed by David Grindley and starring Maureen Lipman, Harry Shearer (The Simpsons, This Is Spinal Tap, Saturday Night Live) and John Bowe (Cranford, Sweeney Todd), Daytona is a haunting, funny and poignant play full of mystery, with not one but two love stories at its heart.
Happy in their shared passion for ballroom dancing, Joe and Elli plan to win the next big competition. But the unexpected arrival of a figure from their past threatens to throw everything off balance. What can this man possibly want of them on this cold winter’s night? What can be gained from this uneasy reunion? When they discover the story behind his sudden return, Joe and Elli must confront a profound moral dilemma.
Maureen Lipman (playing Ellie) has had a prolific acting career. She previously appeared at The REP in 2005 as the delightful diva Florence Foster Jenkins in Glorious! Her many theatre credits include When We Were Married (Garrick Theatre), A Little Night Music (Menier Chocolate Factory), Re-Joyce (West End, National Tour and US transfer) and extensive work for the National Theatre including Oklahoma!
Harry Shearer (playing Joe) has provided voice work for The Simpsons since it began in 1987, most notably as Mr Burns, Principle Skinner, and Ned Flanders. He was a writer and cast member of Saturday Night Live and is famed for his collaborations with Christopher Guest and friends, in particular as co-writer and the role of bassist Derek Smalls in This is Spinal Tap.
John Bowe (playing Billy) is perhaps best known for his television roles in Prime Suspect and Coronation Street. His theatre work includes Judge Turpin in the award-winning Sweeney Todd at Chichester Festival Theatre and in the West End.
Daytona will go on general sale on Friday 26 July. Priority booking for members is now open. Tickets and further information: 0121 236 4455 / birmingham-rep.co.uk
Birmingham Repertory Theatre re-opens on Tuesday 3 September following its two-and-a-half-year refurbishment alongside the new Library of Birmingham.