RICHARD BEAN AT 70
Smack Family Robinson (Reading)
Performed by LOUIS HEALY & DENISE WELCH + more to announced soon!
After global success with One Man Two Guvnors, the great playwright comes back to the North East to mark his 70th year with this special reading of his Whitley Bay-set black comedy about a family less ordinary with a special cast.
If you're a Robinson, family matters.
And family matters are about to get serious.
Things have changed since Dad set up the family business in the 60s: new products, more competition and a bigger market. At the end of the day though, it's still all about cash and stock. But this is no ordinary family business - the Robinsons are drug dealers.
After 35 years of serving it up to the local community, Dad has handed over the reins to son Sean. And there are going to be changes, but not all for the better. Strange things are happening in the previously quiet streets of Whitley Bay.
The local police are becoming more and more interested in the activities of the family and serious questions are being asked: Who killed Pammy? Who are the mysterious Russians?
And more importantly where the f**k are all the spoons?
Delivering a pure hit of darkly disturbing comedy, Smack Family Robinson draws a fine white line between love and hate and then snorts the lot.
Previously performed at Live Theatre in 2003!
Louis Healy - Sean
Louis has recently finished starring as Henry Creel in the West End production of Stranger Things: The First Shadow. The role marked his West End debut in one of the most high-profile new productions in British theatre. He has also recently filmed an upcoming independent feature film alongside a notable ensemble cast.
His screen work includes series regular roles in all three seasons of Hotel Portofino for ITV and PBS, as well as The Pact for Roku. He has also appeared in Vera, Emmerdale and Ackley Bridge, among others.
Denise Welch - Cath
Denise Welch, born in Whitley Bay near Newcastle upon Tyne, began her career at Live Theatre in Yesterday’s Children.
Denise will next appear in Tip Toe for Channel 4, written and created by Russell T Davies. She has also recently filmed a leading role in Forever Home for Channel 5, adapted from the novel by Graham Norton, as well as Stepping Up for Roughcut Television / Channel 4 and returns to Waterloo Road on the BBC as Steph Haydock.
Denise's previous screen credits include starring roles in Coronation Street, Waterloo Road, Boy Meets Girl, Hollyoaks, Emmerdale, and Soldier Soldier, among others. Film credits include Love Sarah, The Jealous God, and Finding Fatimah.
Her theatre credits include The Gap at Hope Mill Theatre, Diana: The Musical in Concert, The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, Steel Magnolias, Smack Family Robinson, and Grease.
She has been a regular panellist on Loose Women since 2001.
Denise also produced the short film Black Eyed Susan and authored memoirs and novels. Her book The Unwelcome Visitor topped Amazon’s charts and the Sunday Times bestseller list.
In 2020, she executive produced and presented the documentary series Survivors for Crime + Investigation Channel.
