World Premiere of new play The Gap, by Jim Cartwright, starring Denise Welch & Matthew Kelly to launch at Hope Mill Theatre in February 2024

Hope Mill Theatre are delighted to announce the world premiere of new play THE GAP by Jim Cartwright, starring Matthew Kelly and Denise Welch, directed by Anthony Banks. The production will open at Hope Mill Theatre on 9 February for a limited run, closing on 9 March 2024. Tickets on sale from Saturday 8 July. There will be a national press night on 14 February 2024.

THE GAP delves into the audacious adventures of Walter and Corral. He’s back up north, she’s still down south.

They haven’t seen each other for fifty years, not since their Soho days, back in the swinging ’60s.

A chance phone call reunites them for one magical night and in next to no time, they’re back to their old tricks.

Matthew Kelly is one of the UK’s most beloved stars of stage and screen.

Matthew Kelly said “Dear Manchester, I’m coming home and I can’t think of a better excuse to return than with actress Denise Welch and playwright Jim Cartwright. Denise and I are to star in the world premiere of Jim’s brand new play, THE GAP, at Manchester’s premier theatre, Hope Mill. It’s a funny, moving, exquisitely crafted play which will show off the superb talents of Denise Welch and I shall be showing off beside her all the way. Anthony Banks will direct. It’s a top team embarking on a top project at a top venue. I couldn’t be more thrilled and excited. I’d love it if you could come and share it. Sincerely, Matthew Kelly off the Telly”

Renowned actress, Denise Welch, is soon to be starring in Diana: The Musical at The Eventim Apollo this December.

Denise Welch said “I am so excited to be returning to my first love, theatre, working alongside the fantastic team at Hope Mill Theatre next year. To play opposite Matthew Kelly in a new Jim Cartwright play is a dream come true. I hope you’ll all come and see what I hope will be a great production.