The revival of a production which premièred in 2019 is bringing an added air of topicality to Laurels Theatre in Whitley Bay.
Monkey’s Blood tells the story of a disgraced TV presenter who first made a name for himself in children’s television thanks to his partnership with a puppet primate.
The play finds Micky Holmes reflecting on a life which saw him leave his working class Hartlepool roots behind in favour of national treasure status alongside monkey sidekick Colin.
Loosely inspired by the Hartlepool legend of a monkey hanged on suspicion of being a French spy, the production had its preview at Blyth Phoenix Theatre in 2019 before a première at VAULT Festival in London.
Co-written by Laurels founding artistic director, Jamie Eastlake, with the theatre’s recently appointed creative producer, John Hickman (Eastenders, The Dumping Ground), the play also sees Jamie take the leading role of Micky.
Monkey’s Blood will play at Laurels Theatre, Whitley Bay August 1–5.