Stephen Lloyd, Stephen Collins, and More to Reprise Roles For Graeae's UK Tour of REASONS TO BE CHEERFUL; Full Cast Announced

Pioneering disabled-led theatre company Graeae has announced the full cast for the upcoming tour of their acclaimed musical Reasons to be Cheerful, which will hit the road one final time this autumn. The extraordinary wit and wisdom of Ian Dury and the Blockheads' music and lyrics will be brought to life by an inclusive cast of 14 actors and musicians. Graeae's Artistic Director, Jenny Sealey will direct a mix of performers who originated the show in 2010, those who joined the cast subsequently and newcomers to Reasons to be Cheerful. Beth Hinton-Lever will play Janine in her Graeae debut, while Gerard McDermott (Blood Wedding and Blasted for Graeae), Joey Hickman (The Threepenny Opera for x) and Max Runham (Captain Walker in Tommy for Ramps on the Moon) will also join the company.

The parallels with the show's 1979 setting are clear. Today, as nationwide cuts continue to impact on the lives of d/Deaf and disabled people, Graeae puts them centre stage. As a prominent disabled activist, Ian Dury was a patron and staunch supporter of Graeae. Protest songs are being written all across the country as part of an extensive community engagement programme inviting original songs for a new generation to be included in the tour.

Reprising their roles from the hugely successful 2010 and 2012 tours, Stephen Lloyd will play Vinnie alongside Stephen Collins as Colin, Dan McGowan as Nick/Dave, Karen Spicer as Pat, Wayne 'Pickles' Norman as Pickles and Jude Mahon in the role of Debbie. With John Kelly on lead vocals, the on-stage band is completed by Paul Sirett (Guitar, also writer), Nixon Rosembert (Bass) and Paula Stanbridge-Faircloth (Drums).

This joyful and defiant production will visit seven regions around the country, kicking off at the Belgrade, Coventry, also associate producers, on Friday 8 September before touring to Derby, Southampton, Ipswich, Leeds, Liverpool and ending with a two week run at Theatre Royal, Stratford East in London from 24 October - 4 November. Press night is 13 September at Derby Theatre.

First seen in 2010, Reasons to be Cheerful has gone on to play at theatres and festivals across the UK, in stadiums around the world, and even in front of HRH The Queen. "Spasticus Autisticus", the Ian Dury-penned disability rights anthem which features in the show, was performed by the cast at the London 2012 Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony and, despite being banned by the BBC in 1981, broadcast worldwide in front of an audience of over 1 billion.

This coming of age tale rejoices in the infectious and enduring music of Ian Dury and the Blockheads. Featuring stone-cold classic songs including Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick; Plaistow Patricia; Sex and Drugs and Rock and Roll; Sweet Gene Vincent; What A Waste and the titular Reasons to be Cheerful (Part 3), this show is loud, bold and jubilant.

Using Graeae's signature theatrical language, all performances of Reasons to be Cheerful seamlessly include British Sign Language, audio description and creative captioning.

Jenny Sealey, Artistic Director at Graeae Theatre Company, said: 'Directing Reasons to be Cheerful remains one of my career highlights. I am delighted that we're not only reuniting many of the original cast members, but also welcoming the gloriously talented Joey Hickman, Gerard McDermott and Max Runham to the company. We are always aiming to work with Deaf or disabled artists new to Graeae, so are thrilled that Beth Hinton-Lever will also be joining the family. We will be well and truly raising the roof up and down the country with the brilliantly anarchic music of Ian Dury and the Blockheads, whose punk sentiment speaks louder than ever as we fight against the brutal cuts that Deaf and disabled people, and millions of others, have faced in recent years.'

Hamish Glen, Artistic Director for the Belgrade Theatre Coventry (associate producers) said, 'It's a pleasure to be supporting Graeae with their revival of Reasons to be Cheerful, and to be bringing this acclaimed punk rock musical to new audiences across the UK, starting here in Coventry. Jenny Sealey and her team are creating great theatre that is accessible to all, and the Belgrade is very proud be a part of that. Ian Dury and the Blockheads produced an amazing catalogue of music, which you will hear in this show, but importantly, he also challenged the way we think and talk about disability. Reasons to be Cheerful continues his legacy of showing a fighting rebel spirit.'

New cast member Gerard McDermott said: 'I was bowled over by punk rock when it hit sleepy Scarborough, swapped my flairs for drainpipes and pogo danced with the best. The music of Ian Dury was storytelling, it was jazz; music hall; folk; rock and roll and scintillating word play. The thought of standing on stage and singing the songs of such a talented man, mentor and role model is spine tingling'

New cast member Max Runham said: 'Working with Graeae never grows old, hearing people's reactions and seeing the change we're making on people's perceptions of disability. Having done a one-off gig version of Reasons to be Cheerful I'm incredibly excited to be part of it. I can't wait to get out there and sweat myself silly.'

New cast member Joey Hickman said: 'I saw Reasons to Be Cheerful at the Hackney Empire back in 2012 - I loved it then and fell in love with Graeae's style. Two years later, I had the pleasure of working with Graeae in their production of The Threepenny Opera and now I can't wait to be involved in the 2017 tour of Reasons To Be Cheerful'

New cast member Beth Hinton-Lever said: 'I've been an avid fan of Graeae since I saw The Solid Life of Sugar Water and so words really can't express how thrilled I am to be joining the cast of Reasons to be Cheerful! I already feel excited, overwhelmed, and empowered to be joining this family. Bring on the Dr. Martens!'

All members of the cast and creative team are available for interview. Graeae patron Mat Fraser, who was in the original 2010 company and has recently played the role of Richard III for Hull Truck Theatre, is also available for an interview.

For further information on the community engagement programme please visit www.graeae.org/protest-song.

This tour is supported by Arts Council England through their Strategic Touring Fund.

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