George Costigan talks about 'The Box of Tricks'.
“This is a misleading title to a play that is, gloriously, anything but.”
George Costigan, star of ‘Rita, Sue and Bob too’ and ‘Happy Valley’, gives his thoughts on ‘The Box of Tricks’, a play currently touring the north of England.
George has appeared in a host of well-loved TV shows including ‘Dalziel and Pascoe’, ‘Doctor Who’ and ‘Happy Valley’. He rose to fame in 1986 with ‘Rita, Sue and Bob Too’ a much-loved comedy that kick-started his career.
George came to see the opening night of ‘The Box of Tricks’ at the Martin Harris Centre in Manchester.
“This is a misleading title to a play that is, gloriously, anything but,” said George. “An honest, searching and touching piece about the joy and pain of loving your brother. Even when you find out...
“The writing is blessed with three pitch-perfect performances in a production as sharp as a tack. Enjoy."
(Left to Right) Michelle Holmes, George Costigan, Siobhan Finneran in the 1987 film 'Rita, Sue and Bob too'.
‘The Box of Tricks’ features former ‘Coronation Street’ actress Judy Holt, who played Leslie Kershaw in the soap until 2012.
Judy said: "I am delighted to be working with Pagelight again on this reworked version of ‘The Box of Tricks’, after the successful run at the 24:7 Festival last summer. I am looking forward to the tour and sharing our work in a variety of venues."
Judy also plays Scary Mary Jackson in ITV's cop-drama ‘Scott and Bailey’, and performs alongside fellow actors Samuel Thompson and Ryan Clayton.
‘The Box of Tricks’ is an emotional play about two brothers from Yorkshire, and has been nominated for two awards.
Ric Brady, co-writer and producer, said: "The play resonated with audiences at the 24:7 Theatre Festival, with many telling me afterwards they felt they had to give their brother or sister a ring. I cannot wait to bring this endearing play to audiences in other towns and cities.”
Ric and his co-writer and producer, Stephen M Hornby, received Arts Council funding to tour their play across seven venues this autumn.
These venues include: Martin Harris Centre in Manchester on 25th September; The Mill at the Pier in Wigan on 21st October; Seven Arts Centre in Leeds on 23rd October; Oldham Library on 28th October; Lantern Theatre in Liverpool on 31st October; The Swan in Dobcross on 25th November and The Kings Arms in Salford on 27th & 28th November.
Tickets can be bought at Pagelight's website (www.pagelightp.com) and at each venue's booking office. Check your local venue’s website for more details.
