THE RUBY SLIPPERS Comedy Steps Into Three North West Venues Next Month

Following its sell-out pilot run in Liverpool, the brand new version of the comedy drama The Ruby Slippers, set in a fictional Blackpool drag club is to premiere at the world-famous Funny Girls in Blackpool next month, before moving on to St Helens and Liverpool.

The Ruby Slippers is a play about love, friendship and identity, taking audiences on a rollercoaster of emotions. The show will open at Funny Girls in Blackpool on Wed 2nd November, the first time a play has performed at the venue in their 21-year history. The play will also perform at St Helens Theatre Royal on Thu 3rd November and the Epstein Theatre in Liverpool on Sat 5th November. The show is supported by Arts Council England.

Raz is on top of the world, owner of his paradise Blackpool drag club, The Ruby Slippers. He has met the man of his dreams, however all is not as it seems. Business is poor and a rival club has opened which threatens to not only steal Raz's customers but also his star Drag Queens Phoenix and Destiny.

Raz is hopelessly in love with flat mate and barman Ryan, unbeknown to him the feeling is mutual. However, Ryan has a secret that could change everything, known only by his mother Helen, who supports her son's decision and encourages him to tell Raz the whole truth.

The new two-act comedy drama comes from writers Emma Culshaw and David Paul and directed by Mark Heller, set design by Gemma Hollywood and lighting and sound design by Oliver Bush. The play explores a subject rarely seen on the theatre stage.

Writers Emma Culshaw and David Paul commented: "When creating The Ruby Slippers our main aim was to write an honest story that shows the highs and lows of being in love, even when there are difficult modern day obstacles that get in the way. The play tackles transgender issues and we hope audiences enjoy what we set out to achieve, creating a play full of compassion, humour and outrageous one-liners but with a strong underlying message."

The talented cast is led by James Rogerson as Raz and Jamie Paul as Ryan, they are joined by Debra Redcliffe (Helen), Emma Vaudrey (Laura), Owen Richard Farrow (Destiny) and Jordan Simms (Phoenix).

The play is produced by new company Break A Leg Productions in association with producer Bill Elms, who has recently worked on Epstein - The Man Who Made The Beatles and Twopence to Cross the Mersey - The Stage Play.

Co-producer Bill Elms said "It has been a pleasure to follow the journey of this show from the page through to stage, and seeing the audience reaction to a great piece of accessible work. I believe this show will go far, it has all the elements for a great night out at the theatre, great characters, great comedy and most of all a great storyline. I am delighted to be a part of its growth. We have limited performances this year as part of its development, but an extensive tour is in the planning for 2017."

So put on your high heels, slap on your lipstick and get ready to strut your stuff down at The Ruby Slippers where the power of love is tested and the truth is about to be revealed.

"A riotous night of entertainment for all... dynamic, accessible and unique theatre... extremely entertaining" North West End

For more information, please visit: www.rubyslippersonstage.com

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LISTING INFORMATION

THE Ruby Slippers

Funny Girls, Blackpool

Wednesday, 2 November 2016 - 8pm

Tickets from £14

1 in 10 goes free

Book in person at Funny Girls | 5 Dickson Road | Blackpool | Lancashire | FY1 2AX. (9.30am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday). Alternatively, call 01253 649 194 or visit www.funnygirlsonline.co.uk

THE Ruby Slippers

St Helens Theatre Royal

Thursday, 3 November 2016 - 7.30pm

Tickets £19.50 (concessions available)

1 in 10 goes free

Book in person at the Theatre Royal Box Office | Corporation Street |St. Helens | Merseyside |WA10 1LQ. (Mon - Sat 10am - 5pm). Alternatively, call 01744 756 000 or visit www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com

THE Ruby Slippers

The Epstein Theatre

Saturday 5 November 2016 - 6pm / 9pm

6pm - All tickets £16.50 inc restoration fee

9pm - All tickets £19.50 inc restoration fee

1 in 10 goes free

Book in person at The Epstein Theatre |Hanover Street | Liverpool | L1 3DZ. (Mon - Sat 12-6pm).

Alternatively call 0844 888 4411 or visit www.epsteinliverpool.co.uk