The Way Old Friends Do

James Seabright in association with Jason Haigh-Ellery and Park Theatre presents the Birmingham Rep production

Mon 15 – Sat 20 May

Tickets from £10

Written by Ian Hallard
Directed by Mark Gatiss

A new comedy about devotion, desire and dancing queens.

In the late 1980s, two Birmingham school friends tentatively come out: one as gay, the other - more shockingly - as an ABBA fan. Thirty years later, they reunite to form the world’s first ABBA tribute band – in drag. Can their friendship survive the tribulations of a life on the road; one full of platform boots, fake beards, and a distractingly attractive stranger?

Simultaneously tender and laugh-out loud funny, this heartfelt story will appeal to anyone who understands how it feels to be a fan: of ABBA or of anyone.

Written by and starring Ian Hallard (The Boys In The Band), this world premiere is directed by Mark Gatiss (Sherlock, Dracula, Doctor Who, The League of Gentlemen). Cast includes Donna Berlin (Doctors) James Bradshaw (Endeavour), Sara Crowe (Olivier Award winner for Private Lives), Andrew Horton (Jupiter’s Legacy) and Rose Shalloo (Malory Towers). Featuring the voices of Miriam Margolyes and Paul O’Grady.

Image gallery

Cast & Creatives

Cast

Ian Hallard as Peter
Donna Berlin as Sally
James Bradshaw as Edward
Sara Crowe as Mrs Campbell
Andrew Horton as Christian
Rose Shalloo as Jodie

With Miriam Margolyes as the voice of Nan and Paul O'Grady as the voice of the Radio DJ.

Anton Tweedale as Understudy for Peter/Edward
Toby Holloway as Understudy for Christian/ASM
Tariye Peterside as Understudy for Sally/Mrs Campbell/Jodie

Creatives

Written by Ian Hallard
Directed by Mark Gatiss
Set & Costume Designer: Janet Bird
Lighting Designer: Andrew Exeter
Sound Designer: Ben Harrison
Assistant Director: Gavin Joseph
Casting Director: Marc Frankum CDG