Globe columnist Peter Grant talks to Lynne Fitzgerald, writer and director of hit comedy Desperate Scousewives heading to Wirral this month.
Lynne Fitzgerald is looking forward to a two-day mini-tour of Wirral.
The multi-tasking Liverpool-born actress, comedienne and playwright is bringing some old friends with her – the Desperate Scousewives.
They are not to be confused with the reality show of the same name.
Lynne had written her play years earlier and it is still going strong long after the much-derided series ended.
It’s been seven years since the first of the plays arrived on the touring scene.
At present there are four individual plays under the ‘Desperate Scousewives’ banner what you might call a funny franchise.
Lynne has built up a loyal following all over the North West and is very hands on – the term control freak might come to mind when you consider her background
She ensures she has a say in absolutely everything from the props to advertising and casting.
The writing remains a prime passion.
Now DS Number One is making a welcome return.
The hit comedy play tells a tale of ordinary women living in the back street terraces of Liverpool.
Lynne says: ‘Audiences are invited into their world leading up to and following the wedding of feisty Vanessa (Charlie Griffiths).
It is no ordinary marriage as it takes take place in Walton Jail to a prisoner she has never actually met.’’
The plot thickens like a meaty pan of Scouse...
Neighbourhood newcomer, the clumsy Trisha (Jodie Nesbitt Shaw), tries without success to fit in.
Then there’s down-trodden Lily (Lynn Francis) who is in an abusive relationship which leads to her accidentally killing her husband. A string of comic co-incidences conspire to divert suspicion away from unlucky Lily.
Add into the mix, bossy, loud-mouthed Susan (Lynne) and audiences are in for a laugh-out-loud night of up and down adult entertainment from the desperate - but determined female fab four.
Lynne says the shows do travel well and she has a genuine soft spot for New Brighton and the new look, ten-year old Pavilion.
‘‘The staff there are great. Nigel on the sound and lighting desks has taught me so much about the behind-the-scenes aspects.
‘‘I have learned so much about the production side of the business
‘‘Going there with any show is always a joy and the audiences are so warm and lovely.’’
Wirral people, away from the theatre, also welcome Lynne with open arms.
‘’I am probably recognised more on this side of the Mersey.
‘‘I can walk along the prom and people stop and say hello. I really love that’’
Lynne is enjoying a varied career.
She has worked with former Brookside and Full Monty star Louis Emerick on their acclaimed version of Jim Cartwright’s two-hander called simply Two.
The talented duo are looking at a new project after a coffee catch up last week.
The versatile duo certainly has on stage chemistry.
Lynne also loves the demands of one-woman shows
There’s the multi-roled Bunty the Bouncer written by Wirral-based writer Marc Gee and the self-penned Physic Sybil.
Lynne is certainly a tour-de force.
Add to her solo work there’s Show Us Your Tips and Four Girls and a Caravan. Lynne loves a good title to kick start her imagination.
But there is one thing she is itching to do again.
‘‘I did stand up comedy for fifteen years and loved writing my own material. I want to do more. I like to think on my feet.’’
That aspect of her personality was shown recently when she helped her friend Meols-based author Gina Kirkham, with the launch of her second book ‘Whiskey, Tango Foxtrot’ at Waterstones in Liverpool.
She attended the first launch and when Gina was asked who would she like to see play her character of Mavis Upton in a film version, Lynne was crest-fallen to hear her say Sheridan Smith.
Revenge is sweet.
This time around when Lynne was invited by Gina to read an extract from the book she donned a Sheridan Smith mask.
That sums up Lynne – always making a great impression.
Desperate Scousewives at the Floral Pavilion on August 31 and September 1. For more information and tickets call the box office on 0151 666 0000.
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