New musical comedy Girls Just Wanna Have Fun comes to St Helens

Musical comedy Girls Just Wanna Have Fun comes to St Helens Theatre Royal this week – and promises audiences a show packed with fun, laughter and uplifting hit songs.

The new show comes from the writers of the hugely successful comedy sketch show Hormonal Housewives and features an unmissable cast including Maureen Nolan, Niki Evans, Stephanie Dooley, and Olivier Award winner Leanne Jones.

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun comes to St Helens Theatre Royal for one night only on Friday 17 September, the show starts at 7.30pm.

St Helens Theatre Royal has been granted the use of the Society Of London Theatre & UK Theatre’s ‘See It Safely’ mark. This certifies that the venue is complying with Government and industry Covid-19 guidelines to ensure the safety of staff, performers, and audiences.

Writers Julie Coombe and John MacIsaac have once again created a star-studded new comedy piece in Girls Just Wanna Have Fun – but this time music is at the centre of the show. Described as a hilarious night out where audiences can join in throughout, it will have audiences on their feet. Co-writer John MacIsaac also directs the show.

MacIsaac and Coombe’s observational and relatable comedy has stood the test of time in their original piece Hormonal Housewives, which is about to celebrate a decade of success. Now they’re back with a bang with a comedy packed with plenty of party anthems.

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun began its world premiere tour in Telford last week – and now the show is heading to St Helens Theatre Royal. The show is presented by producers Red Entertainment in association with Stafford Gatehouse Theatre and The Place, Telford. The show was originally scheduled to open and tour the UK in 2020, but just two days before the start of rehearsals the UK went into its first national lockdown.

The cast features legendary Nolan sister Maureen Nolan in the role of Karen; X-Factor finalist Niki Evans as Jackie; Olivier Award Winner Leanne Jones plays Angie; with the character of Jocelyn being shared by Stephanie Dooley from CBBC’s Creeped Out and television personality Jess Wright. Stephanie will appear in St Helens.

The production was originally set to star Linda Nolan but during the first lockdown, she received news her cancer had returned. Due to the rigours of touring, Linda’s sister Maureen stepped into the breach and take on the role for the inaugural tour. Maureen has an established and accomplished theatre career including the iconic role of Mrs Johnstone in the West End production of Blood Brothers.

Set in a karaoke bar, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun is a no holds barred comedy romp through everything life throws at a modern day woman. The show is set against some of the most iconic pop anthems of all time including 9 To 5, We Are Family, Get The Party Started, I’m In The Mood For Dancing and, of course, Cyndi Lauper’s classic Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.

Theatre Manager Chantelle Nolan commented:

“Girls Just Wanna Have Fun is an uplifting show and features an excellent cast. Join us for an evening of music, laughter and most of all fun – the perfect way to enjoy a return to theatre. We’re working tirelessly to ensure theatregoers are safe and feel comfortable, we look forward to welcoming you back.”

St Helens Theatre Royal’s Autumn season brochure can be found online by visiting the website here.

St Helens Theatre Royal has a range of Covid-secure measures in place. They include increased cleaning, hand sanitiser stations at points throughout the building, and a QR code phone app for audiences to order food and beverages to be delivered to them at their seats.

Customers are asked to continue to wear face coverings (unless exempt) as a courtesy to others, and are being encouraged to take a lateral flow test up to 48 hours before attending a show. People are asked not to visit the theatre if they have Covid symptoms. Meanwhile theatre staff are taking daily Covid tests.