Nationwide tour of Irish Annie’s begins at Liverpool Olympia next week

The popular musical comedy Irish Annie’s is preparing to hit the road for its 2025 nationwide tour, with the first performance taking place at Liverpool Olympia on Friday 2 May.

Starring television favourite Ricky Tomlinson, the production will visit 30 venues across England, Scotland, and Wales, culminating with a final performance at the historic Gaiety Theatre in the Isle of Man on Friday 4 July. Irish Annie’s offers an uplifting and spirited celebration of Irish culture. Audiences are invited to step inside Annie’s welcoming pub for an evening filled with music, laughter, and community spirit. The show features original songs written by Asa Murphy, alongside timeless Irish favourites such as The Wild Rover, Danny Boy, Dirty Old Town, and The Black Velvet Band.

Ricky Tomlinson, who appears as himself in the production, is known and loved for his iconic roles in Brookside, Cracker, The Royle Family, and Mike Bassett: England Manager. His presence brings both humour and heart to the show, making his role a firm audience favourite.

Joining him on stage is Samantha Alton as Annie, the charismatic pub landlady; Lynne Fitzgerald as Moira the Money Lender; Leslie Longley as Porky the Postman; Richard Barry reprising his role as Noel Singen-Smithe; and writer Asa Murphy as Seamus Murphy. The cast is supported by the energetic live band, The Shenanigans, who perform at every show.

Presented by Bill Elms Productions and Asa Murphy Productions, and directed by Emma Vaudrey and Asa Murphy, the show has received widespread acclaim since its original tour in 2024. Critics praised it as “a show with a huge heart and barrels of love” and “a joyous celebration of Irish culture.”

Asa Murphy, who has enjoyed a successful career as a singer, radio host and stage writer, expressed his excitement for the upcoming tour:

“I’m absolutely delighted we’re going back on the road in 2025 with performances in 30 amazing venues across the country. I’m also delighted that Ricky Tomlinson is joining us once again. Along with being a brilliant entertainer and storyteller, he’s great fun to work with, and the audience absolutely loves him.”

“Irish Annie’s is a celebration of Irish culture and what makes the people of Ireland so special—music, laughter, and dealing with adversity through friendship and community. I guarantee you’ll leave the theatre with a spring in your step and a song on your lips.”

Producer Bill Elms added:

“Irish Annie’s is a big, warm-hearted, feelgood show which appeals to everyone, whether they have Irish blood running through their veins or not. Rehearsals are going great, and I can’t wait to take the show back on the road this May, complete with some new cast members joining the Irish Annie’s ‘family’ and with even more dates planned than in 2024.”

Find out more about Irish Annie’s here.

Find all the latest Liverpool news here.

Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide. 

From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.