21/06/2023
The much-loved, cult classic stage production of Andrea Dunbar's seminal work, Rita, Sue & Bob Too!, is set to embark on an extensive 10-week nationwide tour next spring, promising to bring its unique blend of humour, drama, and 80s nostalgia to audiences across the UK. Fans of the gritty yet hilarious tale of working-class life, love, and tested friendships will have the opportunity to experience this powerful story live on stage.
A Stellar Cast for a Cult Classic
Leading the cast in this highly anticipated production is TV favourite Jake Quickenden, who will take on the iconic role of Bob. Known for his appearances on ITV's The X Factor, 'I'm a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!', and winning 'Dancing on Ice', Quickenden brings a wealth of performance experience to the stage. His previous theatre credits include national tours of 'The Full Monty', 'Hair', and 'Footloose', making him a compelling choice to embody the complex character of Bob.
Quickenden expressed his excitement, stating, "I'm delighted to be joining the brilliant cast of Rita, Sue and Bob Too! Regal Entertainments have a fantastic reputation for producing exciting entertainment in Merseyside and I can’t wait to take the show all over the UK. Andrea Dunbar’s play is a classic and I can’t wait to play Bob."
Joining Quickenden is a talented ensemble of actors, many with strong ties to popular television and theatre. Jessica Ellis, known for her role as Tegan Lomax in 'Hollyoaks', will play Michelle. Warren Donnelly, a familiar face from 'Shameless' and 'Coronation Street', takes on the role of Dad. Comedienne and singer Siobhan Phillips, a finalist on 'Britain's Got Talent', will portray Mum. The titular roles of Rita and Sue will be played by Kay Nicholson and Jenna Sian O’Hara respectively, both reprising their roles after successful previous runs.
The Story of Rita, Sue & Bob Too!
Andrea Dunbar’s Rita, Sue & Bob Too!, originally a hit play and later a celebrated 1987 British film, is renowned for its unflinching portrayal of working-class life in Northern England during the 1980s. The narrative centres on Rita and Sue, two teenage girls from a run-down council estate who are nearing the end of their school days. To earn money, they take on babysitting jobs for the affluent, married couple Bob and Michelle.
The play delves into the complexities of relationships, exploring themes of love, lust, and the compromises individuals make. Behind Michelle's back, Bob becomes involved in an affair with both Rita and Sue, engaging in clandestine meetings with them in his car. The situation escalates when Michelle discovers the affair and leaves Bob. Subsequently, Bob develops a preference for Rita, leading to a falling out between the two friends. Their paths, however, become intertwined once more when Sue finds herself in an abusive relationship, prompting a reunion of the trio.
The production promises a faithful adaptation of Dunbar's work, featuring a "brilliantly funny script along with all the best 80s music," offering audiences a nostalgic and emotionally resonant experience.
Touring Schedule and Ticket Information
The tour is set to commence on Tuesday 4 February 2025, at St Helens Theatre Royal. Over the following 10 weeks, the production will visit a total of 10 venues across the UK. The tour will make stops in Hunstanton, Stockport, New Brighton, Birmingham, Southport, Billingham, Rhyl, and Barnstaple, before concluding its run at the Liverpool Olympia from 9 to 12 April 2025.
Tickets for all performances will go on sale at 10 am tomorrow, Friday 14 June. Audiences are advised to secure their tickets early, given the popularity of the story and the acclaimed cast.
The Legacy of Andrea Dunbar
Andrea Dunbar, a Bradford-born writer, penned Rita, Sue & Bob Too! in her early twenties, drawing heavily on her own experiences. Her work is celebrated for its raw authenticity and its ability to capture the nuances of working-class life. The original 1987 film, directed by Alan Clarke, garnered critical acclaim for its bold exploration of social issues, its dark humour, and its depiction of female friendship amidst challenging circumstances. The film was famously described as "Thatcher’s Britain with her knickers down," reflecting its provocative and insightful social commentary.
The play's enduring appeal lies in its relatable characters and its honest portrayal of the struggles and joys of everyday life. Dunbar's writing possesses a unique blend of grit and humour, making the story both poignant and entertaining. The production aims to honour her legacy by bringing her powerful narrative to a new generation of theatregoers.
Comparison with Similar Films
The themes explored in Rita, Sue & Bob Too! resonate with other notable British films of the 1980s that tackled similar social and cultural issues. Here's a look at some:
| Film Title | Year | Director | Key Themes | Similarities to Rita, Sue & Bob Too! |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| My Beautiful Laundrette | 1985 | Stephen Frears | Racial tensions, economic hardship, social mobility, gay relationships | Set in 1980s Britain, deals with unemployment and lack of opportunity, explores complex relationships. |
| Letter to Brezhnev | 1985 | Chris Bernard | Working-class life, female friendship, romance, East-West relations | Set in the North of England (Liverpool), focuses on working-class women seeking escape and connection, captures a sense of entrapment and hope. |
| East Is East | 1999 | Damian O’Donnell | Cultural clashes, immigration, family dynamics, identity | Explores cultural clashes and dual heritage in the working-class North, blending tragedy and comedy. Features a character working at a taxi rank, similar to Aslam's setting. |
| My Summer of Love | 2004 | Pawel Pawlikowski | Female friendship, class differences, coming-of-age, rural setting | Focuses on teenage girls from different backgrounds finding escape and connection, highlights the contrast between different social environments. |
| The Arbor | 2010 | Clio Barnard | Addiction, poverty, domestic abuse, legacy of a writer | Explores the life and legacy of Andrea Dunbar and her daughter, offering a harrowing look at the impact of societal issues. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who plays Bob in the touring production of Rita, Sue & Bob Too!?
A: Jake Quickenden, the singer, actor, and TV personality, plays the role of Bob.
Q: Where does the Rita, Sue & Bob Too! UK tour start?
A: The tour opens at St Helens Theatre Royal on Tuesday 4 February 2025.
Q: When does the tour end?
A: The tour concludes at the Liverpool Olympia from 9 to 12 April 2025.
Q: What are the main themes of Rita, Sue & Bob Too!?
A: The play explores themes of love, lust, friendship, working-class life, and the social conditions of the 1980s.
Q: Is the play based on a film?
A: Yes, the play is based on the acclaimed 1987 British film of the same name, written by Andrea Dunbar.
Q: Does Bob have an affair with Rita & Sue?
A: Yes, the plot involves Bob having an affair with both Rita and Sue.
Q: Does Bob live in the same town as Aslam?
A: The original film is set in Bradford, and Bob lives in a suburban, middle-class neighbourhood contrasted with Rita and Sue's council estate in Buttershaw. Aslam works at a taxi rank on the estate. While not explicitly stated that they live in the same town, their environments are geographically close within the narrative's setting of Bradford.
A Director's Vision
Chantelle Nolan, the director of the production, shared her enthusiasm for the tour: "This is a very exciting announcement for us. After over 20 years of producing brilliant entertainment in St Helens, Regal Entertainments Ltd has developed a touring department and we can’t wait to share our five-star productions with new audiences from all over the UK. We’re very proud to develop talent and provide jobs for theatre professionals from all over the Liverpool City Region and to attract the top stars from the worlds of theatre, film and TV to star in our productions. We believe in supporting the region’s talent and we can’t wait to visit the fantastic towns and cities scheduled for our inaugural tour of Rita, Sue and Bob Too! Andrea Dunbar’s cult classic film was originally a hit play, and we know that it’s a show that you can see time and time again and still be rolling in the aisles with laughter, so be sure to book your tickets today."
For more information and to book tickets, visit the official tour website at www.rsbtuktour.com.
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