Ria Jones returns to the iconic role of Mrs Overall in Acorn Antiques The Musical in Concert, almost 20 years since she played the role on tour. The show is a hilarious and heartfelt tribute to Victoria Wood’s beloved creation. This special concert version of the Olivier-nominated musical will be staged at Manchester Opera House and London’s Shaftesbury Theatre this November.
Produced by Hope Mill Theatre, the show features a stellar cast including Katherine Kingsley, Gina Beck, Anna-Jane Casey, and Rob Madge. The production celebrates 10 years of Hope Mill Theatre and supports its Outreach programme and new community space.
Performances take place on 16 November at Manchester Opera House and 9 November at Shaftesbury Theatre.
You’re starring in Acorn Antiques The Musical in Concert at Manchester Opera House and Shaftesbury Theatre. What can you tell us about the show?
The show was written by Victoria Wood—script, music and lyrics. It features a fantastic cast, including Anna Jane Casey, Katherine Kingsley, Gina Beck and Tony Jayawardena playing the main characters.
Set in the town of Manchesterford, the story revolves around a high street of shops (including Acorn Antiques) all under threat of a takeover by well-known chains. Amongst all that, there’s also a missing will and a missing triplet!
It’s full of fun and laughs, as you would expect from any work by the genius that is Victoria Wood.
You’re reprising the role of Mrs Overall. What makes this character so special to you?
I grew up watching the brilliant Julie Walters’ portrayal of Mrs Overall. She’s such a fantastic creation from Victoria and Julie. I never dreamed when watching as a young girl that I’d get to play her in my own right.
It is truly an honour to don the famous hairnet and pinny!
Victoria Wood’s work is beloved by so many. What do you think makes Acorn Antiques such a timeless piece?
Victoria’s work is timeless. Even the script, which is over 20 years old now, works in today’s world. She was such a brilliant wordsmith.
She was also a fantastic composer. Each song is different and so brilliantly crafted. That’s what makes it a timeless piece.
The concert celebrates 10 years of Hope Mill Theatre. What does it mean to be part of this milestone event?
I think Will & Joe have created such a great space—that is Hope Mill Theatre. It’s not easy to run a theatre, and not only are they doing an excellent job, but they’re producing fantastic quality shows too!
I’m delighted to be part of one of their productions. When they announced Acorn Antiques as part of their 10th Anniversary, I so wanted to be part of it!
With such a star-studded cast, what has the rehearsal process been like so far?
The rehearsal process has been pretty intense, with only nine days to put on a full musical with singing, choreography and, of course, the dialogue.
But it’s also been full of laughs and such love and respect for Victoria’s work. Every single person in that room wants to be there for the right reasons. We all love Victoria and Acorn Antiques.
What would you say to anyone thinking of booking to see Acorn Antiques The Musical in Concert?
It’s so much more than a concert—it’s a full-scale show! The way the world is today, we could all do with a really good laugh, and to hear that laughter rip round the Opera House last Sunday not only lifted the audience’s spirits, but everyone onstage and backstage too.
I’d say to anyone thinking of booking: you’re in for a treat. A rare chance to see a fantastic cast like this come together to celebrate one of the most witty, clever and adored writers of our time.
