New Jim Cartwright play features star packed cast

And the rehearsed reading features a stellar cast of big names from stage and screen.

The audience will be able to watch the first ever script-in-hand workshopping of new thriller Is There Anybody There?, featuring star names such as Claire Sweeney, Catherine Tyldesley and Wendi Peters from Coronation Street and Gregory’s Girl star John Gordon Sinclair.

Cleaning team Joy, Dawn, Sheen and Ronnie work zero hours contracts through the night keeping Swanson’s Skyscraper spick and span. When Joy discovers she may have psychic powers their humdrum routines are smashed to smithereens as their adventures uncover danger, desire, dodgy dealings and stratospheric new dimensions.

Students from the University of Salford will be heavily involved with the production, from scenery and media to stage management. And one student will take the role as assistant director, working closely with West End Director Anthony Banks.

Jim Cartwright has been working closely with Salford University for the past year and says the relationship is fruitful.

Jim said: “The University’s ethos chimes with my own. Some might say the arts are very elitist in this country and I want to help change that.I’ve been really impressed with the quality of work of the students at Salford and it’s a great pleasure to work with them. It’s great how we’re working together to get students involved in big projects like this. Everyone benefits from something like this.”

Niki Woods, Artist Director at the New Adelphi Theatre, University of Salford, said:

“Working with Jim Cartwright this year has led to many exciting opportunities for our students. Jim has worked with our first year Performance students in Acting Methods to workshop bringing a character to life. We’ve also been able to work with Jim on, what we’re calling, ‘In Conversation With…’ a series of talks with invited actors, directors, writers etc. with Jim as host and students up close with household names such as Jane Horrocks, Denise Welsh and Jason Manford, to listen, learn and question what the industry is really like!”