Paul Chuckle takes on demanding new theatre role
AT an age when many people are enjoying retirement, Rotherham entertainer Paul Chuckle is preparing for another gruelling stretch on the stage.
The 78-year-old performer will spend seven weeks appearing at London’s prestigious National Theatre in Jim Cartwright’s acclaimed play The Rise and Fall of Little Voice from December 2 through to January 23 2027 before heading out on a tour expected to continue into February, with northern dates including Newcastle, Sheffield and Salford.
The Sheffield performances are expected to take place at the Lyceum Theatre through the National Theatre’s touring partnership with Sheffield Theatres.
For a man approaching 80, it is another remarkable workload – and further proof that the entertainer born Paul Elliott still possesses the boundless energy that made him a household name with generations of fans.
Over the past year alone, Chuckle has continued to make television appearances, perform live comedy shows and travel the country DJing club nights and festival events, something more commonly associated with performers half his age.
His popularity with younger audiences has also continued through social media, where clips and catchphrases from the Chuckle Brothers era remain hugely popular.
Announcing the role on Instagram, he wrote: “Well who'd have thought it .. me @nationaltheatre as Mr Boo in The Rise and Fall of Little Voice alongside @jillhalfpenny and @frannnmills , its going to be amazing and I'm really looking forward to it.”
His daughter proudly replied underneath the post: “I AM SO PROUD OF YOU DAD ❤️❤️❤️”
Chuckle will play Mr Boo, the flashy northern club owner who spots the extraordinary singing talent of shy young performer Little Voice and attempts to turn her into a star.
The larger-than-life character became well known to cinema audiences when he was played by Jim Broadbent in the award-winning 1998 film adaptation.
The production will star Silent Witness actress Francesca Mills in the title role alongside former Waterloo Road star Jill Halfpenny as Mari Hoff. It will be directed by Robert Hastie.
Although best known for children’s television alongside his late brother Barry, Chuckle is no stranger to theatre audiences.
Over the years he has appeared in numerous pantomimes and touring stage productions and has increasingly taken on more varied acting roles in recent years.
Speaking about the new production, Chuckle said: “I can’t wait to get into rehearsals with Robert Hastie and this fantastic team. To perform at the National Theatre and then head out on tour across England is a dream come true.”
Paul has recently been mourning the death of friend and fellow actor Elsie Kelly, who passed away aged 89.