Cast announced for Liverpool’s Royal Court production of Letter to Brezhnev

Liverpool’s Royal Court has officially unveiled the cast for its upcoming production of Letter to Brezhnev.

Directed by Nicole Behan (The Legend of Rooney’s Ring, Red or Dead AD), the production introduces the legendary Liverpool love story to a fresh audience through a brand-new stage adaptation penned by its original creator, Frank Clark. Stepping into the roles of Teresa and Elaine—two Liverpool women searching for very different kinds of connection—are Angela Simms (Peaceful Hour, The Rainbow Connection) and Ellie Clayton (Peaceful Hour, Educating Rita).

Playing the Soviet sailors newly arrived in port are Liam Powell-Berry (Red or Dead, Boys From the Blackstuff) as Sergei, and Thomas Cotran (Love’s Labour’s Lost, One Man, Two Guvnors) as Peter. The ensemble is completed by Michelle Butterfly, Dominic Carter, Reginald Edwards, Zach J Levene, Maya Rugen, and Leona Sinama Pongo.

Originally released in October 1985, the film Letter to Brezhnev is widely celebrated for putting Liverpool on the global cinematic map. An unexpected triumph, the story seamlessly blends gritty reality with deep affection. While fiercely critical of the economic hardships plaguing 1980s Merseyside, it remains a powerful showcase of Scouse resilience and humour.

The play follows Teresa and Elaine: young, vibrant, and trapped in 1985 Kirkby, worried their youth is slipping away. Meanwhile, Soviet sailors Sergei and Peter hit the docks, ecstatic to be away from the USSR and wide-eyed at what Liverpool has to offer.

While Teresa is simply looking for a fun night out, Elaine dreams of romance and an escape from the city’s grim economic reality. Together, they all get the chance to leave their worries behind and live their dreams for one unforgettable night.

Kevin Fearon, Executive Producer at Liverpool’s Royal Court, shared his excitement for the upcoming run, noting that they are delighted to welcome back some familiar faces, alongside a few new ones, to the Royal Court this autumn. He emphasised that Liverpool stories are at the heart of what the theatre does, because it is vitally important that everyone gets to see themselves on a stage, no matter who they are or where they are from in the city.

Fearon added that Letter to Brezhnev is a true piece of Liverpool history, and that audiences are already snapping up tickets in response to the announcement, making it a huge moment in the city’s cultural calendar.

The brand-new stage adaptation is scheduled to run from 11 September to 17 October 2026 at Liverpool’s Royal Court.