Comedy play Rita, Sue and Bob Too! is coming to Liverpool’s Epstein Theatre and the cast has been announced

St Helens-born Emmerdale actor Michael Parr returns with an all-star cast in the raucous comedy Rita, Sue & Bob Too! Following a record-breaking run in his own town.

Rita, Sue & Bob Too! will run at the Epstein Theatre between Saturday 11 February and Sunday 19 February 2023, which also stars Liverpool comedy legend Crissy Rock and Hollyoaks Jessica Ellis.

The hilarious comedy by Andrea Dunbar is based on the 1987 British film, and features a brilliantly funny script, impressive cast, and is bursting with all the best 80s music, taking audiences on a hilarious trip down memory lane through this cult classic. 

The Regal Entertainments production has seen previous runs of the comedy at St Helens Theatre Royal, breaking box office records in 2011, 2012, 2015, and 2016. Proving very popular with audiences. The show is suitable for over 18s only.

Rita, Sue & Bob Too! is a comedy, telling the gritty tale of love, lust, and the ultimate test of friendship. 

Rita and Sue are two working class girls from a run-down council estate who are about to finish their final year at school. In their spare time, they earn money babysitting for married couple Bob and Michelle.

Behind Michelle’s back, Bob embarks on an affair with both Rita and Sue, who take it in turns with him in his car in the countryside. Michelle eventually finds out and leaves lothario Bob. When Bob later develops a preference for Rita, the two girls fall out but when Sue ends up in an abusive relationship, the trio are reunited. 

Michael Parr will play the role of Bob. He will be joined by a fantastic cast including comedian Crissy Rock as Mother and Jamie Greer as Dad, along with Jessica Ellis as Michelle; Jenna Sian O’Hara as Sue and Kay Nicholson as Rita. 

Michael Parr – After beginning his performing career aged 14, Michael was cast as Amahl in Amahl And The Night Visitors – and has since worked extensively across stage and screen in plays, musicals, TV, and feature films. He is best known for his award-winning portrayal of village bad boy and thug Ross Barton in ITV’s Emmerdale – a role which Michael maintains couldn’t be further from his own real-life personality. 

Michael commented: 

“I had so much fun playing Bob in my hometown at St Helens Theatre Royal that I couldn’t refuse when I was asked to perform the show in Liverpool too, the Epstein is a great venue and I know Liverpool audiences are going to love this comedy classic.” 

Crissy Rock – Crissy started her career as a stand-up comedian in the 1980’s, then went on to appear in films such as Ladybird, Ladybird and TV shows Brookside, Nice Guy Eddie and Peak Practice. However she is best known for her longstanding role in TV Comedy Benidorm and talking part in I’m A Celebrity and Celebrity Masterchef.

Jessica Ellis – Jess is a Liverpool actress who was first cast in episodes of Eastenders and Doctors before joining the cast of the popular soap, Hollyoaks in 2013 playing the role of Tegan Lomax.

Rita, Sue & Bob Too! is brought to the stage by Regal Entertainments Ltd and directed by Chantelle Nolan.

Director Chantelle Nolan added: 

“Following its huge success at St Helens Theatre Royal earlier this year, we are delighted to bring the show to our sister venue in Liverpool. The show went down a storm, we have a great cast and Liverpool audiences are in for a treat, tickets are already on sale for February and selling well so book early to avoid disappointment.” 

Book tickets on the Epstein Theatre website here.