Talks under way for third run of smash-hit show

Aug 18 2007 by Liza Williams, Liverpool Daily Post

NEGOTIATIONS are under way to bring smash-hit play Brick Up the Mersey Tunnels back for a third run at Liverpool’s Royal Court theatre next year.

Acclaimed playwright Dave Kirby revealed he could have three productions running in Liverpool during the city’s Capital of Culture year.

His first comedy creation, co-written by Nicky Allt, broke box office records selling 46,000 tickets throughout its two first runs at the Royal Court.

Last night Mr Kirby revealed he is in negotiations with the Royal Court to get Brick Up The Mersey Tunnels running again in 2008.

Tickets are now selling fast for Lost Soul, Mr Kirby’s follow up which is on at the Royal Court from August 31 to September 29.

He hopes it will also run next year, along with a third play he is writing, entitled The Council Depot Blues.

Starring Andrew Schofield, Eithne Brown and Suzanne Collins, Brick Up The Mersey Tunnels was the surprise hit of last summer and returned this year for an unprecedented six- week run.

Mr Kirby said: “It is really satisfying for Nicky and myself. We so wanted a play for our own people to be a success, and it has taken seven years of hard work.

“It is a wonderful feeling.

“People in Liverpool are very proud and really care about entertainment, that is why it has been so successful – it is a real parochial Scouse comedy.

“We are in negotiations to show Brick Up again next year and hopefully if Lost Soul goes down well we can get that on again, too.

“I am currently writing another play based on my own experience of working for Liverpool council in maintenance for years, named The Council Depot Blues.

“I could have three plays on in the city at once which would be fantastic and in Capital of Culture year, too.”

Lost Soul is a Liverpool comedy about two couples getting older but not getting any wiser.

Andrew Schofield and Eithne Brown return to the theatre and will be joined by Lindzi Germain and Neil Caple. Strong friendships and relationships are put to the test against a soundtrack of 70s soul music, but it is a play with music, rather than a piece of musical theatre.

Iain Christie, marketing manager at the Royal Court, said: “Audiences enjoyed Brick Up so much that they are jumping at the chance to see another Dave Kirby play.

“People can't get enough of these plays by one of the hottest local writers around. The shows are written with Liverpool people in mind and they are showing that they enjoy them by voting with their feet.”

Tickets for Lost Soul are available from £10 from the Royal Court Box Office, 0870 787 1866 or www.royalcourtliverpool.com

lizawilliams