Coronation Street stalwarts Christine Mackie (Dr Susan Gaddas) and Sue Jenkins (Gloria Todd) reunite to take their acclaimed stage production of KIN back out on the road for 2024.
Following its debut run at The Dukes in Lancaster in 2022, KIN, written by Mackie and directed once again by Jenkins will kick start its mini autumn North West Tour back at The Dukes on 10th September, followed by performances at Queens Hall Hexham, Hull Truck, Theatr Clwyd, Alnwick Playhouse culminating in five nights at HOME from 29 October.
Mackie wrote Kin three years ago. In her 60s, inspired by and acutely aware that little was out there for older actresses
Mackie explains: “I wanted to show characters that are complex and contradictory, funny and flawed, passionate and playful – all qualities sadly lacking in most representations of older women on stage and TV, when they’re either a grandma or someone interested in buying a pre-paid funeral!” Mackie concludes,
“I wanted these women to BE the action of the play, not supporting it but taking centre stage and for KIN to be a really great night out in the theatre. Kin was so well received at The Dukes and I am very excited to take the show back there and then on to such fabulous new venues.”
Kin tells the story of sisters in law Kay and Steph who meet for the first time in years at the funeral of Robert McGregor, the most important man in both their lives. Having never been close, expectations are low. But nothing could prepare them for the revelations that lie ahead. Kin is not two older women chatting over the vol-au-vents. It is more Game of Thrones in the Cotswalds and the gloves are off!
The all-female creative team is led by Producer Hannah Ellis-Ryan (Her Productions), Best Girl Productions, Director Sue Jenkins and Roberta Kerr and Kerry Willison-Parry who are both reprising their roles as Kay and Steph from the production’s premiere in 2022.
Writer Christine Mackie is perhaps best known for playing Coronation Street’s genial GP Dr Gaddas – a role she has played for over 10 years. Downton Abbey viewers will also recognise her from series 2 & 3 as Mrs Bryant, whom she played over five episodes.
Director Sue Jenkins is perhaps best known for her work in Coronation Street and as the iconic Jackie Corkhill in Brookside (1999-2001). Extensive theatre includes plays in over 100 theatres in UK. Last year Sue starred in the premiere of Michael Wynne’s play ‘Cuckoo’ at The Royal Court Theatre
HOME, Manchester
29 October – 2 November 2024
https://homemcr.org/production/kin-mackie/
