Full cast revealed for new version of MASQUERADE at Liverpool's Epstein Theatre
Casting has been announced for Masquerade, a powerful and poignant tale of love, loss, freedom and friendship among Liverpool’s LGBT+ community, at the city’s Epstein Theatre from 22-26 November.
The electrifying new and reimagined production, written by Laura Lees with additional material by Tom Lloyd and James Baker is set in Liverpool’s iconic gay club in the 1980s and features a heavenly disco soundtrack.
Mike loves Tony (but not like that). He’s his best mate. To be confident, outgoing, and open is a big deal in a city like Liverpool in 1986 especially during the Aids crisis. When they discover The Masquerade Club, Mike gets a taste of the life he could and should be living.
He is welcomed with open arms, soon becoming the resident DJ in a club that becomes the centre of his universe. Outside of the club walls he needs to find the courage to tell his parents that he is not the son they want him to be. Will he find the strength to stand up for himself especially when tragedy strikes?
Jamie Peacock returns to the role of Mike after playing him in the original production of the play which was staged at the Royal Court Studio in 2019, while Joe Owens (DOGS, Love’s Labour’s Lost) plays Tony.
The cast is completed by Neil MacDonald (Cilla The Musical, UK tour) as club owner Frank, Catherine Rice (Making It) as barmaid Norma, Michael Bailey (Liver Birdsong) who plays the role of Stuart and his alter ego resident drag queen Judy, and Leah Gould (Othello) as Leanne and ensemble female roles.
Masquerade is produced by Bill Elms and directed by James Baker, with design by Ellie Light, sound by Daniel Mawson, and lighting by Doug Kurht.
The play tells a fictional story based around the now demolished iconic Cases Street venue, affectionately known as The Mazzie, which was frequented at the time by famous faces including Holly Johnson, Paul O’Grady, Paul Rutherford, and Margi Clarke. The Mazzie became a safe haven in a political and cultural period where being gay was demonised. It offered many gay people an alternative family who provided them with the love and care that was ripped away from their relatives.
Director James Baker says: "Building the right team for this production has been crucial; it’s important that it represents Liverpool and those this story is about. We've found an exceptional cast who are going to champion this story with real heart. I'm proud that I get to steer this masquerade of talent.”
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