Judy to tread the boards with TV icon

Nov 16 2012 by Kaiya Marjoribanks, Stirling Observer

Actress Judy Shaw-Stewart is set to make her Theatre Royal debut alongside one of her TV idols.

Judy, from Doune, is appearing in the touring production of The Ladykillers starring former “Some Mothers Do Ave’Em” actress Michele Dotrice.

Aside from Michele, Judy will join other TV favourites including Shaun Williamson (Eastenders) and Clive Mantle (Casualty) for a total of eight performances, the duration of its Glasgow run.

And its not the first time she has mixed with the celebs. Having previously worked in the BBC as a radio studio manager for The World Service and External Services and for Drama and Light Entertainment, she has also worked with the likes of Arthur Askey, Lance Percival, Alan Coren, John Le Mesurier, Arthur Lowe, Roy Dotrice, Miles Kington, Barry Took, Frank Muir and Thora Hird.

Of her new role Judy said: “I was thrilled to be offered the chance to take part in this. How often do these things come around! And to be playing in a scene with Michele Dotrice – just amazing. Everyone loved her in the role of Betty in Some Mothers Do Ave Em so this is a bit of an honour.

“I am currently a group advisor for both the King’s Theatre and Theatre Royal with my main role being the promotion of shows to our Stirlingshire patrons through talks and events to groups and clubs who might want to know a bit more about what’s on and how to go about getting the best possible deals. Mind you, I don’t think i would ever have foreseen myself coming up as topic of conversation to one of my groups.”

The Ladykillers tells the story of the eccentric little old lady Mrs Wilberforce who lives alone with her parrot in a strange lopsided house in King’s Cross. Her life is turned upside down by the arrival of Professor Marcus and his four friends, who between them make up the most unlikely group of criminals. Planning the heist of a security van, they decide to use Mrs Wilberforce as cover and involve her unwittingly in the plot. Things do not go well and the professor’s plan starts to unravel in spectacular and hilarious fashion.

This stage production of The Ladykillers has been adapted by Graham Linehan, best known as the writer behind TV comedies Father Ted and The I.T. Crowd.

Director Sean Foley is a multi award winning stage director whose work in the West End includes Play What I Wrote, Do You Come Here Often, Ducktastic, Pinter’s People and Joe Orton’s What The Butler Saw.

Performances are as follows: Mon 19 – Sat 24 Nov 7.30pm; Thu and Sat matinees 2.30pm. Tickets are priced £12 to £27 and available by telephoning the box office on 0844 871 7647 (booking fee) or go to www.atgtickets.com/glasgow (booking fee).