Full cast revealed for Acorn Antiques the Musical in Concert

Full cast revealed for Acorn Antiques the Musical in Concert

18-09-25

Hope Mill Theatre has lifted the curtain on the full cast for its glittering fundraising revival of Victoria Wood’s Acorn Antiques the Musical. The concert production plays the Manchester Opera House on 2 and 16 November before a one-night-only trip to the Shaftesbury Theatre in London on 9 November.

Heading back to Manchesterford, Katherine Kingsley will play Miss Babs, joined by Gina Beck as Miss Berta and Anna-Jane Casey as Miss Bonnie. Alongside them are Tony Jayawardena as Mr Clifford, Rob Madge as Derek, Harry Hepple as Tony, Grace Mouat as Miss Wellbelove, and a strong company including Elliot Broadfoot, May Tether, Sally Bankes, Samuel Holmes and Laura Medforth. And making a welcome return, Ria Jones reprises her much-loved role as Mrs Overall — tray, macaroons and all.

The spoof soap opera was born as a recurring sketch in Victoria Wood As Seen on TV, parodying the shaky sets, improbable plots and love-struck characters of long-running dramas like Crossroads. In 2005, Wood reinvented it for the stage with Trevor Nunn at the helm and choreography by Stephen Mear. Opening at the Theatre Royal Haymarket, the musical featured Julie Walters, Celia Imrie, Duncan Preston and Wood herself, and went on to win Olivier recognition and a sell-out season. The result was a joyous parody that both lampooned and celebrated British soap culture.

Now, nearly two decades on, the musical returns in concert form with direction by Hope Mill’s Joseph Houston and William Whelton. Musical direction comes from Nigel Lilley, with choreography by Sammy Murray and orchestrations by Chris Walker. The creative team also features Sophia Pardon (set design), Lorraine Parry (costumes), Chrissie Baker (wigs) and Aaron Dootson (lighting).

But beyond the laughter, this production has a special purpose. The concert celebrates 10 years of Hope Mill Theatre, one of Manchester’s most beloved independent venues. All proceeds will go directly towards its Outreach programme — including the Hope Mill Theatre School — and the creation of a brand-new community space. It’s a fitting tribute to Victoria Wood’s legacy: comedy, community and a “lovely, happy night in the theatre.”

With its cast of West End favourites, its mix of nostalgia and silliness, and its fundraising heart, Acorn Antiques the Musical in Concert promises to be more than just a trip down memory lane. Expect soap tropes, toe-tapping tunes, and plenty of laughs, all in aid of a venue that has championed new voices for a decade.

Tickets are already proving popular, so grab a macaroon and get yourself to Manchesterford this November – get more information and tickets for Manchester HERE and London HERE.