Globe arts writer Peter Grant chews over the Royal Court's tinsel-coated seasonal offering - a selection box of festive fun.
FORMER Brookside and Coronation Street stars Eithne Browne and Michael Starke will be just two of the local luminaries who will be appearing in The Royal Court's Selection Box - a brand new show which re-opens the building next month.
And it's chocs away for a production that promises to be a scaled-down, socially distanced Christmas cracker but one that is packed with inventive laugh-out-loud comedy and live music.
A cast of six will appear in each matinee and evening performance.
Eithne Browne (picture: Peter Grant)
More names will be added to the roll call as the run continues from its opening night on November 20 until January 9, 2021.
Other Royal Court stalwarts signed up for the sparkling, home-grown, feel good shows include Andrew Schofield and Roy Brandon.
Both actors are also accomplished musicians known for their roles in the smash-hit plays Brick Up The Mersey Tunnels One and Two.
The Selection Box format will be developed and directed by Stephen Fletcher with additional material provided by members of the multi-talented, versatile cast of familiar faces. Howard Gray is musical director.
Kevin Fearon, the Court's executive director, told the Globe he is thrilled that audiences will be back in the venue which has recently received just under £730k from the Government's Culture Recovery Fund.
He said: "We have got plans in place for more shows in the new year.
"So if all goes well at Christmas we can look forward to a busy 2021.''
The Court has put in a wide range of safety plans including socially distanced cast and audience as well as temperature checks, new cleaning procedures, enhanced table service and one-way systems.
A spokesman for the theatre added: ''We can't wait to see the cast, crew and all of our regulars back enjoying themselves.''
Full details of the shows are on the Court's website.
Royal Court's Selection Box tickets are on sale now from 0151 709 4321 or www.royalcourtliverpool.com
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