Talent Tickets

Victoria Wood’s Evening Standard Award winner “Talent” returns to the stage in 2009, showcasing the writing work that landed her the Most Promising Playwright award when it premiered at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre in 1978.

It is a show that has also enjoyed its time on the small screen, with a television adaptation appearing in 1979 that further cemented Wood as an emerging star, landing her an award for Most Promising Writer and allowing the show to be nominated for various BAFTA Awards.

The show is set in the seedy world of Bunter’s Nightclub, a location where various people are competing for a chance to win at their talent night. Amongst them are Julie and Maureen, portrayed by Leanne Rowe and Suzy Toase, two women who wait for their moment to shine backstage. But before they will have their chance they must witness the other contestants perform their strange acts, whilst a creepy compère (Mark Curry) presents the night.

But as the night progresses, the women are going to reconsider their decision to enter the competition, wondering if their chance in the spotlight is really the life they want for themselves. Julie finds herself grimacing at the grotty dressing rooms whilst Maureen has to fight off the unwanted advances of the seedy compère. Along the way, other characters that make an appearance include Arthur Hall (played by Mark Hadfield), George Findlay (Jeffrey Holland) and Mel (Eugene O’ Hare).

Suzie Toase, playing Maureen, has appeared in a wide range of West End and other London stage productions, with television and movie credits to her name as well. Her stage appearances include “Singin’ In The Rain” at the National Theatre, “Into the Woods” at the Royal Opera House, “My Fair Lady” at the National Theatre and “Guys & Dolls” at the Donmar Warehouse and Piccadilly Theatre. She is recognisable for screen work such as “The IT Crowd”, “Harry Potter And The Half Blood Prince” and “Hotel Babylon.

But behind the scenes, Victoria Wood is handling directing work based on her 1970s script. She is a well known British comedian who has appeared in various television programmes and earned herself a range of BAFTA Awards and fans. Her credits include “Housewife 49”, “Pat & Margaret”, “Dinnerladies” and her sketch show “Victoria Wood As Seen On TV”. Like many well known comedians from her era, she was first spotted in 1974 when she appeared in “New Faces”, which also showcased future stars Lenny Henry, Roy Walker and Les Dennis.

“Talent” runs at the Menier Chocolate Factory from Wednesday 23rd September 2009 (previews from Thursday 17th September 2009) to Saturday 14th November 2009.