Tom Milner to Lead Cast of WE'LL LIVE AND DIE IN THESE TOWNS

Ahead of its world premiere production 29 September-20 October, the Belgrade Theatre Coventry has revealed full casting for its new musical drama, We'll Live and Die in These Towns.

Taking The Enemy's number one debut album as its soundtrack, We'll Live and Die in These Towns sees the band's former frontman, Tom Clarke, enter the world of theatre as Musical Director. Penned by Coventry playwright Geoff Thompson, it tells the story of Argy - a young musician who suffers a crisis of confidence just hours before a major homecoming gig.

Leading the cast as the anxiety-plagued Argy will be Tom Milner, best known for his roles as Paul Langley and Ben Eddon in TV dramas Waterloo Road and Holby City. Tom also appeared in Series 5 of The Voice UK, securing a place on #TeamRicky with his rendition of Rixton's "Wait On Me".

Joining him is Steven Serlin, who doubles up as band manager, The Ambassador, and Owl, a down-at-heel figure from Argy's past. An experienced performer, Steven has recently appeared in Oklahoma at Grange Park Opera House, The Wild Party at The Other Palace, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at Theatre Royal Drury Lane. TV credits include Inspector Poirot, Casualty and Frank Stubbs Promotes.

Playing Argy's brother, Bill, will be Quinn Patrick, whose stage credits include Arsenic and Old Lace for Kenny Wax Productions, Mr Mushnik in Little Shop of Horrors and Chief O'Reilly in Bananaman The Musial. TV credits include Without Motive, Casualty, Lenny Henry's Danny and the Human Zoo and Jimmy McGovern's Moving On, as well as the BAFTA winning children's TV shows Grandpa In My Pocket and global hit HaHa Hairies.

Known for her role as Julie Martin in Neighbours (1992-94), Julie Mullins will play Bill's wife, Hips. Stage credits include Body to Diet For (Etcetera and Lando Theatres) The Expat Wives (Singapore and Hong Kong) and As You Like It and Much Ado About Nothing (The Acting Factory, Sydney). As a singer, she toured with the Julie Mullins Jazz Quartet 2008-10. She has also published books for children and adults.

Taking on the parts of Argy's bandmates and friends will be recent graduates Andy Burse (Yudi/Sammy), Meg Forgan (Kusi/ Megan), and Molly Grace Cutler (Shelly), as well as Adam Sopp (Matt/ Danny), whose TV credits include Grange Hill, Call The Midwife and Stan Lee's Lucky Man, and whose stage credits include Sunny Afternoon, The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips and All Quiet on the Western Front.

Completing the cast is Mark Turnbull as a busker Argy encounters in the city. Mark has enjoyed starring roles in a range of musicals, including Jean Valjean in Les Miserables (Palace Theatre), Frank 'n' Furter in The Rocky Horror Show (Piccadilly Theatre), and Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar (European tour).

Playwright Geoff Thompson said: "I can say without fear of exaggeration that the auditions were some of the most inspirational moments of my life. We saw veteran performers and kids just out of acting school: they all lit up the room. I'm so happy that we've secured our number one choices for each role."

Helmed by the Belgrade Theatre's Artistic Director Hamish Glen and designed by Patrick Connellan, We'll Live and Die in These Towns is one of a series of Belgrade productions bearing witness to local stories as Coventry prepares for its year as City of Culture in 2021.

We'll Live and Die in These Towns makes its world premiere at the Belgrade Theatre Coventry 29 September - 20 October. Tickets are available to book now by calling the box office on 024 7655 3055, or visiting www.belgrade.co.uk where prices are even cheaper.

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