Soap Stars Debra Stephenson And Steven Pinder Star In Last Of The Red Hot Lovers

Hot off the huge success of Bouncers: The Remix, Regal Entertainments presents Neil Simon’s Broadway smash hit, Last of the Red Hot Lovers, as the latest in a long line of critically acclaimed summer comedies at St Helens Theatre Royal. Running from 11 – 14 June, this irresistible romp is set to be the sauciest show of the summer!

Regal Entertainments have added their own unique twist to the play, turning it into a two-hander, and producers are delighted to announce that renowned celebrity impressionist, Coronation Street and Bad Girls favourite Debra Stephenson will star in this ambitious production in not one but three roles, playing Elaine, Bobbi AND Jeanette alongside Steven Pinder (Brookside, Crossroads) who takes on the role of Barney Cashman.

Neil Simon is one of theatre’s most revered playwrights, with over thirty plays and nearly the same number of movie screenplays, he has received more Oscar and Tony nominations than any other writer. As one of Simon’s funniest comedies, The Last of the Red Hot Lovers chronicles the misadventures of Barney Cashman who is in the throes of a mid-life crisis, and his sudden desire for passion and adventure has embarrassing (but hilarious) consequences. When he makes the decision to join the sexual revolution, the married seafood restaurateur attempts to seduce Elaine, Bobbi and Jeannette – three very different but equally eccentric women – in the romantic setting of his mother’s apartment. Each attempt proves to be as funny, yet as sad as the last, but Barney’s attempts to win over the women are sure to leave the audiences wanting more.

Chantelle Nolan, Theatre Manager said: “I’ve always wanted to bring a Neil Simon piece to the Theatre Royal and now seems like the perfect time to do it! The Last of the Red Hot Lovers is one of my favourite plays and is absolutely hilarious; making it the perfect choice as the latest in a long line of Regal Entertainments’ summer comedies. I couldn’t be more thrilled with the cast, Steven is a superb actor and Debra is one of the most talented and versatile actresses around today; she’s a singer, actress and impressionist –the perfect choice to play three very different roles in one show! I can’t wait to get them to get together and see the sparks fly. It’s going to be brilliant!”

Thrust into the limelight at the tender age of 14 with her star turn on TV’s Opportunity Knocks, Debra Stephenson is perhaps best known for her breakout performance as the psychotic Shell Dockley in the ITV’s smash hit Bad Girls, a performance which earned her consecutive nominations for Best Actress at the National Television Awards in 1999 and 2000. She further cemented herself as one of the nation’s best loved actress during her two year stint as Frankie Baldwin in ITV’s Coronation Street. Away from television, Debra has made a name for herself as a singer via her spell on Comic Relief does Fame Academy, which landed her a recording contract and a debut album. Debra is also one of the UK’s leading impressionist, honing her craft on stage at stand-up comedy venues including London’s Comedy Store and sketch shows including TV to Go (alongside Mackenzie Crooks, Hugh Dennis and Pauline McLynn) providing voices on the iconic Spitting Image and, of course, fronting “The Impressions Show with Culshaw and Stephenson“, alongside Jon Culshaw.

Steven Pinder became a household name through his appearance in Crossroads and his long term stint in the television soap opera Brookside, where he played long standing cast member Max Farnham from 1990 to its conclusion in 2003. On stage Steven starred in the musical adaptation of the dance phenomenon Footloose, alongside Matt Willis, and most recently, he made a special guest appearance in the BBC soap Doctors, alongside Shobna Gulati.

Steven and Debra will bring this hilarious comedy to life under the direction of the Theatre Royal’s director of choice, Sylvie Gatrill. Sylvie is a long term collaborator with Regal Entertainments, having directed many of their seasonal comedies including last year’s Bouncers: The Remix, The Ciggie Run, The Salon and the record-breaking classic Rita, Sue and Bob too. Outside of the Theatre Royal, Sylvie is an acclaimed actress herself having had roles in Bread, Brookside and Emmerdale and has directed critically acclaimed productions at the Royal Court Theatre Liverpool, including Night Collar.

Sylvie Gatrill said: “I’ve always wanted to direct a Neil Simon piece and when I read the script for this play, I have to keep putting it down and composing myself… because it’s just so funny! I’ve worked with Steven before on Brookside and can honestly say he is an amazingly talented actor and I can’t wait to work with Debra – she is perfect for the job! This will be something special – the likes of which we’ve never done before at the Theatre Royal – I’ve not been this excited in a long time!”

The Last of the Red Hot Lovers is side splitting story of self-discovery and is the must see show of the summer; bringing to the stage eccentric comedic characters with a hilarious script written by one of the best. With evening and matinee performances available, don’t miss the chance to be left rolling in the aisles of the St Helens Theatre Royal.

Listing Details

Neil Simon’s The Last of the Red Hot Lovers
11th – 14th June 2014
2pm (14th June ONLY)
7.30pm
£15.00 – Adult
Concessions Available

Booking

Book in person at the Theatre Royal Box Office Corporation Street, St. Helens, Merseyside WA10 1LQ (Mon – Sat 10am – 5pm). Alternatively, call 01744 756 000 or log on to: www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com