The World Premiere of Hilary Bonner’s psychological thriller Dead Lies will embark on a national UK tour in Autumn this year. Boasting a star-studded cast headed by Clive Mantle, Harriet Thorpe and John Lyons, the production will be directed by Joe Harmston and produced by Red Entertainment.
Expect the unexpected! Bonner leads us into a world of political intrigue, sexual indiscretions, scandal and murder as we delve into the past where skeletons are buried and secrets are revealed. Can anyone be trusted? Is anyone safe? Only time will tell!
Clive Mantle plays Peter George, a charismatic politician with his eye on the keys to Number 10. Mantle is an established favourite with television viewers who know him as Mike Barratt in both Casualty and Holby City. More recently he was seen as Lord Greatjon Umber in Game of Thrones and as Tony Curry in the BBC’s White Van Man. He made a big impact as Simon Gorton, the love interest of Geraldine Granger (Dawn French) in The Vicar of Dibley – a partnership which created comedy magic; and as Little John in the cult 80s series, Robin of Sherwood. He is also an Olivier nominated stage actor with acclaimed stage performances including the title role in Jus’ Like That! A Night Out With Tommy Cooper.
Harriet Thorpe plays former top model, Stephanie Jones, who has a rather dark secret to share … for a price. Although her career has spanned all media including film, television, West End and UK Theatre, Harriet is probably best known to millions as the eccentric Fleur in Absolutely Fabulous.
Veteran actor John Lyons, known and loved as DS George Toolan in A Touch of Frost will play the political hack, Alan Parfitt. Lyons was a member of the renowned Theatre Workshop under the direction of Joan Littlewood. He has continued to be an actor in high demand throughout his long and illustrious career.
The cast also includes Jacqueline Leonard (Peak Practice, Coronation Street and Doctors), X-Factor’s Ashford Campbell (from West End productions including 9 to 5 and Dreamgirls) and Patrick Pearson (The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel).
Red Entertainment, founded by producer Matt Brinkler in 2012, is established as a leading provider of touring musicals, musical reviews, comedy and family shows. Dead Lies marks the company’s debut as producers of week-long drama.
Brinkler said “We are delighted to have the opportunity to produce such a brilliantly written play and to have brought together an incredible cast to work with director Joe Harmston. This production introduces Red to a whole new audience and we can’t wait! We are immensely proud of our work so far and the fact that our shows have encouraged audiences to support their local theatre. Dead Lies is a new and exciting journey for us.”
Hilary Bonner is a Best-Selling Crime Novelist. Although she has just celebrated the publication of her 21st book, Dead Lies is Hilary’s first play, she said ‘I am thrilled that Dead Lies is to be staged by one of the most dynamic and progressive production companies in British theatre, unafraid to forge forwards in these troubled times. And to have a director of Joe Harmston’s calibre on board is a wonderful bonus. To tell the truth, I’m more than a little overwhelmed.’
The tour will be a limited season this Autumn with venues announced soon, more details can be found here.
