Sue sizes up a play première

Published: 23 August 2013
Reporter: David Upton

No Fat Juliets which premieres at The Dukes in Lancaster

Size matters so much to a Lancaster actress that she’s written a romantic comedy play about it.

Sue McCormick has enjoyed a successful career as a character actress but has missed out on the big roles. Her experiences have now inspired her to write No Fat Juliets which premières at The Dukes from September 26-October 12.

This comic love story, a co-production with Oldham Coliseum Theatre, comes with new songs, snogs and bags of Northern spirit.

“I want to write plays with strong roles for women which are popular and have a message,” said Preston-born Sue who also plays the lead role in No Fat Juliets.

“I’ve always been big due to my metabolism and was a yo-yo dieter for years, but when I hit my 30s I got to the point where I thought either I have to accept myself or give up, so I’ve carved myself a niche.

“I was often told I’d get more work as I got older and that has been the case. Character actors come into their own in their 30s and 40s.”

This plus-sized romantic comedy is set in a Lake District hotel where Sue’s character, a part-time actress, is working as a barmaid.

When an old flame arrives in town with another size zero starlet, Beth starts to question her ambitions and finds comfort in the arms of a charming poet.

No Fat Juliets is a co-production with Ladybrain Productions which was formed by Sue to present popular and political theatre.

This play follows in The Dukes tradition of producing new homegrown plays rooted in the North such as Sabbat (2012); Quicksand (2011) and The Gift & The Glory (2010).

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