Charlie Hardwick in The Awkward Squad at the Arts Theatre

Barbara Marten, Libby Davison and Lisa McGrillis Also Star in the Production from March 2012

It has been announced that the Arts Theatre in London’s West End will be welcoming a production from “Emmerdale” writer Karin Young from March 2012 in the form of “The Awkward Squad”, which will also feature the Charlie Hardwick from the hit television show. The production appears at the venue as part of a national tour and also features actors Barbara Marten, Libby Davison and Lisa McGrillis.

“The Awkward Squad” follows the character of Lorna, portrayed by Barbara Marten, who is hoping for a quiet weekend and is instead faced with the vast array of problems from her daughters and granddaughter. As her whole life has seen her working for others as an upstanding member of the community it seems that some things never change, even though she is about to be given an honorary PhD. So she must decide whether to take it or leave it as divorces, boob jobs, redundancies and various other problems land on her lap. Hardwick portrays the role of Sandy, with Davison portraying Pam and McGrillis as Sarah.

Charlie Hardwick is best known for her “Emmerdale” role in which she portrays the role of Val Pollard, though she has also taken on other roles over the years. In addition to the ITV soap she has also appeared in films like “Billy Elliot”, “The Scar” and “Purely Belter”, as well as television shows like “Grumpy Old Women” and “Byker Grove”.

Barbara Marten, meanwhile, has appeared in television shows like “Casualty”, “Bob and Rose”, “Fat Friends” and movies such as “A Passionate Woman” and “Between Two Women”, in addition to theatre roles in London. So the cast has accumulated numerous screen credits, ensuring that those that pick up theatre tickets will see some familiar faces on the stage.

The Arts Theatre will be the home to festive shows over the Christmas period as it remains the venue to see “A Christmas Carol” in the West End, in addition to “The Lazy Elf”, the latter of which runs during the daytime throughout December.

“The Awkward Squad”, meanwhile, runs at the Arts Theatre from 8th March 2012 (previews from 6th March 2012) to 7th April 2012 and also appears in venues around the country as part of a national tour.