Local Theatre to take on Oscar-winning writer’s work

The Summerseat Players, a local theatre group based at The Theatre Royal in Ramsbottom, will be staging Oscar-winning writer Martin McDonagh’s ‘The Pillowman’ from 15^th November – 22^nd November. The Summerseat Players are thrilled to be presenting such an interesting piece of work by a writer famous for films such as In Bruges and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri for which he won the Best Picture Oscar. 

‘The Pillowman’ is a dark thriller featuring McDonagh’s trademark razor-sharp wit. Writer, Katurian, finds herself in a police interrogation room accused of a series of murders which have been carried out in the style of her stories. A series of twists and turns follow and nobody can be trusted in a world where nothing is as it seems.

The cast is led by Mollie Winnard, who will be familiar to television audiences from her roles in Happy Valley, Coronation Street and All Creatures Great and Small. Mollie is particularly excited to be returning to the stage after a break to focus on her television work. Joining Mollie,will be Clive Tomkinson who has had a long career in the industry including the premiere of Ben Elton’s Popcorn, in London’s West End. Summerseat Players favourite, Sam Cooper, will be returning to the Theatre Royal after previous appearances in 1984 and The Last Days of Troy. The cast is completed by Connor James-Ryan fresh from touring with The Syndicate. Members of the Summerseat Players Young Company will appear in their debut play for The Summerseat Players. 

The production is directed by Summerseat Players Artistic Director, Stephen Davies who is thrilled to be directing his fourth play for the society. He commented, ‘I’m overjoyed to be working with such an experienced and talented cast, bringing to life a play by a master of writing. The material is jam-packed with dark humour and thrilling twists as is synonymous with the work of Martin McDonagh. Putting together the play has been a huge challenge and I can’t wait to see the audience’s reaction.’ 

The Summerseat Players have a rich history of bringing quality theatre to the community. Boasting over fifty years of productions and entirely operated by volunteers, the society is excited to bringing the community another season of exciting a diverse plays.

The Pillowman runs at the Theatre Royal in Ramsbottom from 15^th November until 22^nd November with a matinee performance on the 16^th November. Tickets are available at www.ticketsource.co.uk/summerseatplayers or from the box office when the theatre is open.