News

The Awkward Squad, a new work by the BAFTA-winning Emmerdale writer Karin Young, will open at the Arts Theatre in March as part of a UK tour. The show stars Charlie Hardwick (Emmerdale), Libby Davison (The Bill, Hollyoaks), Barbara Marten (Brookside, Casualty, Coronation Street) and Lisa McGrillis (The Pitmen Painters).

The play tells the story of Lorna (played by Barbara Marten), a grandmother who has spent three decades selflessly working for everyone else, whose hopes of a quiet weekend are shattered when both daughters and granddaughter arrive with their self-centred problems. So does she accept everything that’s thrown at her, or become a fully paid-up member of the ‘awkward squad’?  

A New State of the Nation Comedy

Charlie Hardwick as 'Sandy'

Charlie Hardwick has played the role of Val Pollard ITV1 soap opera Emmerdale since 2004. Her film credits include: Billy Elliot, The One and Only, Purely Belter and The Scar. Her stage credits include: Making Waves (Stephen Joseph Theatre), Double Lives (Live Theatre Newcastle) and Cooking With Elvis (Whitehall / Live Theatre Company).

Barbara Marten as 'Lorna'

Barbara Marten is perhaps best known for playing the role of Eve Montgomery in BBC hospital drama Casualty. Her other TV credits include Fat Friends, EastEnders, The Bill, Silent Witness, Dalziel and Pascoe and Waking the Dead. She was recently seen on the stage in Henry IV Parts 1 & 2 at Shakespeare’s Globe.

Libby Davison as 'Pam'

Libby Davison played D.C. Liz Rawton on The Bill for over 130 episodes between 1996 and 2001. Her other TV credits include Our Friends in the North, Holby City, The Royal Today and Hollyoaks. Her film credits include Purely Belter.