KNOCKOUT CAST ANNOUNCED FOR SECONDS AWAY!

Live Theatre, Newcastle Upon Tyne and Bill Kenwright Productions are delighted to announce the knockout cast for Seconds Away! a sell-out staged reading of a brand new play with songs written by Ian La Frenais with music and lyrics by Jimmy Nail which runs from Tuesday 6 to Saturday 17 February. Weighing in are Jimmy Nail (Auf Wiedersehen Pet, Spender), Catherine Dryden, Trevor Dion Nicholas, Mark Stobbart and Sally Ann Triplett.

Set against the vibrant backdrop of Newcastle, Seconds Away! delves deep into the themes of personal combat, enduring values, family discord and regional pride. The stellar cast will perform scenes and songs accompanied by an incredible live band featuring local legends Peter Tickell (Musical Director),  Lindisfarne’s Ray Laidlaw (drums and percussion), Mary Macmaster (acoustic/electro harps and vocals) and Micky Crystal (acoustic guitars).

Celebrated actor and musician Jimmy Nail takes on the lead role of Fighting Frankie Tanner, a once-celebrated heavyweight boxing champion, grappling with a life overshadowed by adversity. Jimmy is best known for his role as Oz Osbourne in Auf Wiedersehen, Pet, the titular role in Spender and Jed Shepperd in Crocodile Shoes which he wrote and created. Theatre credits include The Last Ship and War of the Worlds and feature films include Evita, Still Crazy, Danny the Champion of the World, The 10th Kingdom, Just Ask for Diamonds and Dream Demon. As a singer-songwriter, Jimmy has had hits with Ain’t No Doubt, Crocodile Shoes, Cowboy Dreams, Big River and Love Don’t Live Here Anymore.

The role of Frankie’s daughter Sam is played by County Durham born and RADA trained Catherine Dryden. Catherine’s theatre credits include The Play That Goes Wrong, Mary Stuart, The Pitmen Painters, Amazing Grace and The Watch House. TV credits include Vera and Traces and films Some Rules, Love in the Time of Coronavirus and Make My Boyfriend Better.

The character of Vinnie is brought to life by Trevor Dion Nicholas whose extensive theatre credits include Next to Normal, Hamilton, Bat Boy: The Musical, Bonnie & Clyde The Musical, Big River, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and Ragtime. Television credits include All Star Musicals, Moley, The Unstoppable Yellow Yeti, Christmas at the Snow Globe and The Americans. Trevor is also the songwriter and primary vocalist for Indie Soul band Neighborhood Goliath.

Mark Stobbart joins the cast as Christopher, Frankie’s son. His TV and film credits include House of the Dragon, The Long Shadow, The Hunt for Raoul Moat, Line of Duty, Vera, Inspector George Gently, Skins, Little Britain, The Last Detective, The People Before, Muscle, Teen Spirit and Almost Married. Mark’s theatre credits include The Hired Man, Tactical Questioning, Restoration, Up On the Roof, Hello Again and Let Him Have Justice.

The part of Margeurita, Frankie’s ex-wife is performed by Sally Ann Triplett. Sally’s UK theatre credits include The Witches, Oklahoma, Anything Goes, Guys and Dolls, Chicago, Mamma Mia, Cats, Grease and Chess and in the US include Becoming Nancy, Carrie, The Last Ship, Finding Neverland and The Cradle Will Rock. TV includes Eastenders, Doctors, The Bill and Down To Earth.

Seconds Away! directed by Jack McNamara is a staged reading and gives audiences an incredible opportunity to experience a brand new work at the very beginning of its journey. Running from Tuesday 6 to Saturday 17 February at Live Theatre, all tickets are currently sold out but there is a waiting list in operation for any returns.