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Abbey sets scene for host of TV stars
THE much-loved Leeds Shakespeare Festival will return this month after a two-year absence – featuring four TV stars among its cast.
Former EastEnders and The Bill actress Louisa Lytton will appear in comedy double Much Ado About Nothing and A Midsummer Night's Dream, in the cloisters at Kirkstall Abbey.
She will feature alongside Gabriel Thomson, best known for his 10-year role as Michael Harper in the BAFTA-winning sitcom My Family; Steven Blakely – PC Geoff Younger in Yorkshire drama Heartbeat; and Mark Arden, who has appeared in legendary comedies including Blackadder, The Young Ones and Carry on Columbus.
British Shakespeare Company founder Robert Williamson, who grew up in Leeds, said having famous faces among the cast helped raise the profile of the festival.
He added: "Young actors who want to prove that they are more than just a TV star, they are keen to work with us."
Director Mr Williamson, who also plays Bottom and Benedick, had signed glamorous ex-Emmerdale star Roxanne Pallett to make her stage debut on the tour but she pulled out days before it began.
She injured a rib on the Dancing on Ice tour and was unable to start rehearsals in time.
Louisa, who took part in Strictly Come Dancing in 2006, has taken over the roles of Hero and Cobweb which were originally to be played by Roxanne.
The 14th Leeds Shakespeare Festival is on from July 28 to August 15. Other venues on the tour include Norway, Prague, Dublin and Cornwall.
For tickets ring 0844 848 2701.
See Scene in Thursday's Yorkshire Evening Post for an interview with Gabriel Thomson.
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Sunday 12 February 2012
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