Noreen Kershaw directs world premiere for The Lowry
The original Shirley Valentine directs a love story for the 21st century
World Premiere of Fireflies, A love story waiting to happen
The Lowry, Fri 16 - Sat 31 October 2009
Press Night: Tue 20 October, 8pm
Written by Kevin Fegan
Directed by Noreen Kershaw
Interviews with Noreen are available upon request
Since originating the title role in the Shirley Valentine play, Noreen Kershaw has performed and directed both on stage and television to great acclaim and is now directing the world premiere of Fireflies, a love story for the 21st century.
Noreen comments, “When I read the script I was immediately drawn to the humour and frankness of the story and knew at once it would transfer perfectly to stage. It’s definitely a love story for the 21st Century, something we can all identity with, the highs, the lows and the hardships we face. Leigh and Nelson have a few things in common, both unlucky in love, both resilient and both looking for a new life.”
Bury born Noreen Kershaw has most recently appeared on television as WPC Phyllis Dobbs in the BBC’s award-winning Life on Mars series. Her theatre directing work in the region last year included two shows at Bolton Octagon, Road and Spring & Port Wine; Iron for Working Girls at The Royal Exchange Studio; Absolutely Frank at Oldham Coliseum and Misery at The Royal Court Theatre in Liverpool. Noreen also directed the national tour of Women on the Verge of a nervous breakdown which came to The Lowry earlier this year.
After directing episodes of Shameless and Coronation Street Noreen wanted to bring her experiences of filming to the stage. Noreen explains, “Fireflies uses pre-recorded film shot in Salford that the actors interact with live on stage, not only enhancing the humour but also bringing you closer to the action. Along with the rest of the company, I’m really excited to be working on this play which promises to be a funny, different and moving night at the theatre.”
Robert Robson, The Lowry’s Artistic Director, says “We chose Noreen to direct as she has both stage & film experience so we felt she could really take this original idea forward. This innovative staging will make the audience feel like they are sat in the heart of a film. Following on from the success of King Cotton in 2007 and in the run-up to The Lowry’s 10th birthday year, this unique project forms part of our No Boundaries season, illustrating our role in presenting imaginative theatre.”
This enthralling new play, produced by The Lowry, is written by one of the North West's leading playwrights, Kevin Fegan, who is inspired by local places, people and events. Fireflies forms part of The Lowry’s No Boundaries season this Autumn showcasing new, innovative and exhilarating theatre brought by some of the north’s leading talent.
Fireflies tells the stories of Leigh and Nelson, two lonely hearts coming face to face with the reality of their lives. Told with a fierce frankness, this dark and moving script brilliantly conveys their resilience in the face of hardship. This extraordinary production combines text with film and computer graphics to create visually stunning storytelling and a uniquely theatrical experience.
Posted on Monday, 27 July 2009 under Press Theatre Press