Simon Stephens’ shocking new play Punk Rock comes to Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester

Oct 8 2009 Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

Award-winning playwright Simon Stephens returns to Manchester’s Royal Exchange Theatre with Punk Rock following its London premiere

Teaming up with RET artistic director Sarah Frankcom, Stockport-born Stephens has created a volatile new play revealing the brutality and disillusion within a Stockport grammar school, which has a chilling resemblance to current news stories.

It follows a group of educated, articulate yet anxious young people in their final school year. With looming exams and the rise of discontent with the world, the sexual angst and simmering violence within them threatens to explode, resulting in a shocking finale.

Stephens, who won the 2002 Pearson Award for Best New Play for Port at the Royal Exchange Theatre, gained critical acclaim for On The Shore of the World.

Since then he has become a major commended playwright with recent hits Harper Regan (National Theatre, 2008), Pornography (Tricycle Theatre, 2009) and Sea Wall (Traverse Theatre/ Edinburgh Festival Fringe, 2009 and Bush Theatre, 2008).

Punk Rock can be seen at the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester from now until October 31.

Ring the box office on 0161 833 9833 or log on to www.royalexchange.co.uk/bookonline.

The Liverpool Empire has announced that the legendary Fonz himself – actor Henry Winkler – will take the starring role in its 2009 pantomime, Peter Pan.

Former Happy Days star Winkler, who will play Captain Hook, said: “I am so excited to be returning to the UK to appear in Peter Pan.

“I hear that the Liverpool Empire is one of the most beautiful theatres in the country and it will be a pleasure to perform there.”

Liverpudlian singer and Atomic Kitten star Natasha Hamilton is to play Peter, with fellow Scouser Les Dennis playing a pantomime dame in the form of the Darling family’s cook and, later, Hook’s cook.

Dennis received rave reviews for his performance as Buttons in last year’s panto, Cinderella.

Natasha, whose role will be her first in panto, said: “I am so honoured to be asked to appear as Peter Pan at my local theatre. It’s going to be a great experience.”

This year’s show promises to delight audiences in the same glittering, spectacular style, with lavish staging and costumes.

Peter Pan can be seen from December 7 until January 3. To book, ring 0844 847 2525.