Coronation Street Paula Lane made her name playing tough nut with a soft centre Kylie Platt and takes the lead role of Phoebe Throssel as bittersweet musical Quality Street comes to Leeds Playhouse.
The marvellously moreish show was created with a team of retired workers from the Halifax factory where Quality Street™ chocolates have been proudly made since 1936 as they wrap the action in their witty and outrageous observations.
The story centres on the romantic entanglements of Phoebe Throssel who runs a school for unruly children on Quality Street, and ten years after a tearful goodbye an old flame returns from fighting Napoleon. But the look of disappointment on Captain Valentine’s face when he greets an older, less glamorous Phoebe, spurs our determined heroine into action.
She decided to become the wild and sparkling Miss Livvy, a younger alter-ego who soon beguiles the clueless Captain, but as their romance is rekindled can she juggle both personas?
This touring production of Quality Street was cut short in 2020 by the pandemic bit has now been revived for 2023.
Two of the original cast are returning with Alicia McKenzie as Mary Willoughby/Lotte, and another Corrie star Louisa-May Parker as Susan Throssel.
They are joined by Jelani D’Aguilar as Fanny Willoughby / Isabella / Sandra, Alice Imelda playing Charlotte Parratt / Jo, Aron Julius as Captain Valentine Brown; and Alex Moran as Ensign Blades / Arthur / Brenda.
Ackley Bridge’s Jamie Smelt is Recruiting Sergeant / Georgy / Lieutenant Spicer; and Gilly Tompkins completes the cast as Patty / Barbara.
“It was heart-breaking to have to abandon this production in 2020 when it was being enjoyed by so many,” says Laurie Sansom, director of Quality Street and Artistic Director & CEO of Northern Broadsides. “They capture the wit and wisdom of JM Barrie’s delightfully comic characters, as well as the Halifax women who helped us make the original show. We can’t wait to get it back on the road.”
Quality Street is in the Courtyard theatre, Leeds Playhouse from 10th – 13th May. Book online at www.leedsplayhouse.org.uk or 0113 213 7700.
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