Billy Liar returns to the Civic

Phoenix Players return to the Civic to stage the West End play which became a 1963 film sensation starring Tom Courtenay and Julie Christie, with plenty of humour and no-nonsense northern grit to enjoy.

Show director Tracey Briggs said: “I have been wanting to put this show on for years and finally we have all the right cast available.”

The show has three new members of the group in their debut at the Civic, along with some long-standing members giving a huge range of ages and experience from a few weeks to over 60 years.

Phoenix chairman Neil Mather said: “This show has been a joy to rehearse with the cast we have.  

“It is always good to have new cast members on board, and always great to be on stage with people you have known over 30 years.”

Billy Liar is at the Civic from January 23 to 27, with adult tickets priced at £9.50 available from the theatre box office or on the night.

Phoenix are researching their history of over 75 years to get it up to date and make it available to all.  

Neil added: “We have a huge library of every play we have produced since 1947 and would welcome any past members who have programmes and photos contacting us to share their own memories and help fill any gaps we may have along the way.”

Anyone who can help fill out the archive should email Neil via [email protected].

Our picture shows Phoenix Players members in rehearsal for Billy Liar. From left to right are Sue Briggs as Alice, Julie Webb as Florence, Neil Mather as Geoffrey, Becky Ruddock as Barbara, Lee Sanderson as Billy, Jack Howie as Rita, and Lucas Gunson as Arthur. 230006-1