Julie Hesmondhalgh didn’t disappoint as a stand-alone narrator. Photo: Alex Harvey-Brown/Savannah Photographic
Venue: York Theatre Royal
Review by Julia Pattison
Julie Hesmondhalgh trained at LAMDA and is best known for her award–winning portrayal of Hayley Cropper in Coronation Street.
There’s no doubt in my mind that her name drew in bums on seats, and she didn’t disappoint as a stand-alone narrator.
Seeing her live, on stage, greeting us warmly, and glowing like the ray of sunshine she is, helped you to instantly forget the discomfort of having to wear a mask (necessary, but a faff!) and was a cocoon of comfort as we’re all tentatively tiptoeing out of Covid Lockdown.
AT the heart of The Love Season when York Theatre Royal reopens from May 17 will be The Greatest Play In The History Of The World, Julie Hesmondhalgh s one-woman show. Produced by Tara Finney Productions in association with Hull Truck Theatre, the debut tour of Ian Kershaw s multi award-winning play will open at the Stephen Joseph Theatre, from May 18 to 22 before History will be made at the Theatre Royal from June 1 to 5 and Hull Truck from June 7 to 12, with all tour performances being socially distanced with Covid-safe measures in place. Winner of The Stage Edinburgh Award in 2018, The Greatest Play In The History Of The World takes a heartfelt journey that starts and ends in a small, unassuming house on a quiet suburban road, as Coronation Street and Broadchurch alumnus Julie Hesmondhalgh narrates the story of two neighbours and the people on their street, navigating her way through the nuances of life, the possibilities of science and the meaning of love.
A comedy stage and screen legend, Henry was last on stage in
King Hedley II at Theatre Royal Stratford East. He was also meant to have appeared in a 2020 National show –
Richard Pryor on Fire – but the pandemic has sadly scuppered plans for now. He also has an unspecified role.
Peter Mullan
Trainspotting,
My Name Is Joe and more. Some may recognise him as the menacing Yaxley from the
Harry Potter films. He cut his teeth on stage as part of the left-wing theatre movement that emerged during Thatcher s time in office.
Lloyd Owen
Early in his career Owen worked extensively with Cheek by Jowl, with other credits including