Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester will stage the world premiere of Jim Cartwright's first new play in six years. The Gap will star actor/presenter Matthew Kelly and former Coronation Street star Denise Welch.
Anthony Banks' production will run at Hope Mill from February 9-March 9, 2024, and tickets are on sale from today (July 8).
The drama follows the adventures of Walter and Corral. He’s back up north, she’s still down south, and they haven’t seen each other since their Soho days in the swinging 60s. A chance phone call reunites them for one magical night – and quickly, they’re back to their old tricks.
The two performers have been household names over many years, Matthew Kelly originally for his TV work on Game For a Laugh and Stars in Their Eyes, but in recent years more for performing in plays all over the UK and for TV drama.
Actress Denise Welch will soon feature in Diana: The Musical this December, and has appeared in many other shows, such as Calendar Girls the Musical, The Rise and Fall of Little Voice (Royal Exchange Theatre), UK tour of Steel Magnolias, Grease at the Haymarket Theatre and a more recent Jim Cartwright play, The Ancient Secret of Youth and The Five Tibetans at Bolton Octagon. She is best known for her work on Coronation Street, and more lately as a panellist on ITV's Loose Women.
Jim Cartwright and Anthony Banks said “We’re looking forward to Denise and Matthew bringing these characters to life – two extraordinary lives lived across half a century of changes."
Matthew Kelly said “It’s a funny, moving, exquisitely-crafted play that will show off the superb talents of Denise Welch and I shall be showing off beside her all the way!"
Denise said “To play opposite Matthew in a new Jim Cartwright play is a dream come true. I hope you’ll all come and see what I hope will be a great production.”
More info and tickets here