Tony Slattery back on Wirral for look at life and career

The 64-year-old - well known for appearances in programmes such as Whose Line Is It Anyway?, Just A Minute and Have I Got News For You and roles in films such as Peter's Friends and The Crying Game - is at the Wro Bar in West Kirby on Thursday, May 16 for Tony Slattery - Resuscitated.

Hosted by Erica Lear, the evening will be in two parts. The first will be a question and answer session. The second part will be a live 'Whose Line' style improv with Tony and special guest James Payton.

Looking forward to returning to Wirral, Tony - whose partner is Wirral actor and Broadway star Mark Hutchinson - told the Globe: "The Wro is a brilliant venue, really looking forward to performing there.

"My heart belongs to Wallasey and West Kirby. Mark, my partner of 38 years is from Wallasey and I have friends in West Kirby.

The poster for 'Tony Slattery - Resucitated' at The Wro in West Kirby on Thursday, May 16, which promises a 'no holds barred' look back at the entertainer's life and career (Image: courtesy of Erica Lear)"Mark and I are seriously thinking about moving to Wirral. I grew up in London - mum and dad were Irish immigrants, and settled in London.

"West Kirby has a happy quality of life, they have a good sense of humour there. London is such a sprawl and the rents are extortionate. Wirral is a lovelier place to live."

On his forthcoming night at The Wro, Tony continued: "The audience will be able to ask me questions and can ask whatever they want. There isn't a question I haven't been. 

"Erica Lear will also be asking question and she does not pull any punches. There really isn't a question I haven't been asked and I'm not shocked by much anymore."

Comedian and actor Tony Slattery, pictured during his time on TV, returns to Wirral next week for a 'no holds barred' look back at his life and career (Image: courtesy of Erica Lear and Mark Hutchinson)The star has also been open about battling substance abuse and was apparently once spending £4,000-a-week on drugs. He said that on one occasion, he was given a talking to by actress Julie Walters.

He is reported to have said of Julie's involvement: “She sat me down and said, ‘One – Tony, I think you’re a good actor, but there’s a darkness inside you. Two, you smell a bit of vodka. Three… take it easy.”

The entertainer was also the subject of a BBC documentary in 2020 which followed his return to the spotlight after having a breakdown and completely vanishing from public life.

Whatever Happened To Tony Slattery? featured a revealing interview about his struggle with substance abuse and bipolar disorder.

The documentary also followed Tony and Mark as they visited leading experts on mood disorders and addiction.

Asked about the 'highlights and lowlights', as he put it, of his career, Tony replied: "I did a lot of terrible things, for example the drinking and taking drugs, which were extremely low points for me.

"But the highlights have been many. I loved being part of films such as Peter's Friends with Stephen Fry and Emma Thompson and I was also in The Crying Game."

On returning to entertainment after a period away, Tony continued: "I'm back in the saddle and really looking forward to it.

"I'm finding my feet after a fallow period away from showbusiness and feel bouncy and eager to get back on stage."

Tickets for Tony's event at The Wro in West Kirby are from https://the-wro.co.uk

Mark Hutchinson will also be at The Wro in From the Wirral to the West End and Broadway -  an afternoon of songs and stories from the West End and Broadway star on Sunday, May 19. It starts at 2pm. Tickets from The Wro website.