Billy Liar, the classic tale of northern life in the 1960s, comes to Manchester’s Royal Exchange Theatre from June 13 to July 12.
Adapted for the stage by Keith Waterhouse and Willis Hall from Waterhouse’s original 1959 novel, the action of the play revolves around Billy Fisher, a 19-year-old nobody living at home with his parents and grandmother, and working a dead end job in an undertakers. It is only through his imagination that he can escape drudgery.
Set over one eventful Saturday, Billy’s lies spark a series of explosive, emotional confrontations.
Harry McEntire plays Billy in this new production. His previous Royal Exchange credits include Winterlong (also at Soho Theatre) and Punk Rock (also at Lyric Hammersmith).
The cast also includes Aaron Anthony, Emily Barber, Jack Deam, Rebekah Hinds, Katie Moore, Lisa Millett and Sue Wallace.
The production is directed by guest director, Stockport-born Sam Yates, who says: “Billy Liar is a sometimes painfully truthful insight into northern family.
"The unmatchable intimacy of the Exchange makes it the ideal home for this play. I’m thrilled to be working with one of Britain’s most exciting young actors.”