Hope is a brand new stage play written by and starring some of Liverpool’s finest film and television acting talent and it will receive its world premiere at the city’s Royal Court Theatre in March 2013.

An all-star cast has been revealed for this darkly comic psychological thriller, which sees Mark Womack, who recently starred in the B.B.C.1 drama Good Cop, making a rare return to the stage. Mark’s long list of credits include Ken Loach’s Route Irish as well as Murphy’s Law and Martina Cole’s The Runaway. Starring alongside Womack is his Hillsborough, Liverpool One and Merseybeat co-star, and the play’s writer, director and producer, Scot Williams, who makes a long awaited return to the Liverpool theatre scene after an 18-year hiatus.

Joining Womack (playing Norm) and Williams (as Victor), and taking on the role of Guy, is René Zagger, a former regular of I.T.V.’s The Bill.

The question of who will star in the title role of Hope remains top secret for now but according to the producers, is all about preparing the audience to expect the unexpected.

Scot Williams said, “It’s a proud moment for me to see the World Premiere of my latest play in my home city of Liverpool and also to be able to share the Royal Court stage with two very fine actors, Mark and René. We will be revealing who will star in the title role of Hope in the New Year, but until then my lips are sealed.”

The theatre’s CEO Kevin Fearon said, “Its great working with Eric and Scot and, for us, we see the long-term benefits of working with an exciting and innovative new production company with a great energy that matches our own high standards and artistic ambitions for the future.”

Tickets for Hope start at £12 (previews £10) and are on sale for a strictly limited run from 6 March to 23 March, 2012. Tickets are available at the Royal Court Theatre’s Box Office, by telephone on 0870 7871866 or check online at: www.royalcourtliverpool.com.

Ian D. Hall