First glimpse of Kurtis Stacey in his new role for acclaimed play, The Ruby Slippers

Following successful tour dates since 2016 which included performances in London’s West End, the heartwarming comedy drama The Ruby Slippers makes a welcome return to the Liverpool stage at Liverpool Royal Court’s new Studio from Tuesday 24 – Saturday 28 July.

Kurtis Stacey (Emmerdale) leads the cast of this critically acclaimed production, as bar man Ryan – who has been struggling with a secret, he wants to become a woman.

The theme of personal identity and transgender is explored throughout the play, and audiences witness the rollercoaster journey as the character embraces his true self and transitions from Ryan to Rachel.

Relationships are also put to the test as those closest to Rachel struggle to come to terms with the decision, in a subject matter rarely seen on the theatre stage.

With just 4 weeks until the show opens, producers have today revealed the exclusive first pictures of Kurtis’ unrecognisable transition from Ryan, to his female counterpart, Rachel.

Official make-up artist for the show, the sensational transformation was created by industry professional Gordon Fawcett – owner of Liverpool studio The Makeover Rooms. With over 20 year’s experience in the television and theatre industry, Gordon has been specialising in T-girl makeovers for over 12 years.

Speaking after the makeover, Kurtis Stacey said: “I couldn’t believe my eyes when I got that first glimpse of myself as Rachel; it has given me a better insight in to the character development, and I am very excited to be taking on such an important and challenging role.

“It is quite poignant and fitting that this year’s Liverpool Pride theme is #AllTogetherNow as the play encourages us all to come together in embracing and accepting who we are and not hide it from the world.”

Joining Kurtis, the full cast includes Owen Farrow (BBC’s All Together Now as drag artist Divina De Campo); James Rogerson (The Last Five Years); Debra Redcliffe (Coronation Street); Emma Vaudrey (Moving On, Hollyoaks, Ladykillers); and Jordan Simms (Sharon Needles and Alaska 5000 Halloween Special).

Forming part of the official Liverpool Pride Festival programme, this riotous comedy is produced by Break A Leg Productions in association with Bill Elms.

Phoenix and Destiny -The Ruby Slippers.
Picture. David Munn

Throw on your high heels, slap on your lipstick and get ready to strut your stuff down to The Ruby Slippers drag bar, where the power of love will be pushed to the limit, and where secrets are about to be revealed, in this two-act comedy drama from writers Emma Culshaw and David Paul.

Life is a drag at The Ruby Slippers, Blackpool’s struggling cabaret drag club. Owner Raz (Rogerson) thinks he has met the man of his dreams in barman and flatmate Ryan (Stacey). But is that about to change when Ryan confesses he has been hiding a secret – that he wants to become a woman?

On top of that a rival club has opened which threatens to not only steal Raz’s customers but also his star acts – the hilarious and outrageous drag queens Phoenix (Simms) and Destiny (Farrow).

Can true love overcome any obstacle? Will Phoenix and Destiny be swayed to leave The Ruby Slippers and join its rival? Loyalties will be put to the test as the campest club gets ready to drag open its doors once more.