Little Atom Productions are delighted to announce that acting and entertainment legend Ricky Tomlinson is the next special guest in the hugely popular In Conversation live interview series of events.
In Conversation With Ricky Tomlinson takes place at 7.30pm on Wednesday 4th March at St George’s Hall Liverpool, and Ricky is the twelfth guest in the special series.
The event will take place in the venue’s stunning Concert Room. Fans will hear all about Ricky’s life and hear his choice of music, performed live on the night by a number of specially chosen performers.
Tomlinson is probably best known for his roles as Bobby Grant in Brookside and the lazy but loveable Jim Royle in the The Royle Family. His acting credits span over 30 years and include many more comedy and dramatic roles such as the lead character in Mike Bassett: England Manager, DCI Charlie Wise in Cracker, and the poignant portrayal of John Glover, father of Hillsborough victim Ian, in the Jimmy McGovern drama Hillsborough.
As well as being a prolific and highly respected actor, 75-year-old Ricky is also famed for his stand-up comedy and musical talents. He still makes regular appearances as a stand-up comedian across the country and at his own club, The Green Room on Duke Street in Liverpool, and is a gifted banjo player.
Gemma Aldcroft, one half of production company Little Atom Productions, said, “We’re absolutely thrilled to confirm Ricky as our next In Conversation guest. We’ve been trying to get him on board for almost two years now but he’s just been too busy. The man never stops!”
As well as continuously working as an actor and comedian, in recent years Tomlinson has worked tirelessly to get his name, and that of his fellow trade union activist Des Warren (who sadly passed away in 2004), cleared of the charge of ‘conspiracy to intimidate’ at a picket in Shrewsbury for which they were both imprisoned for two years in 1973.
In October 2014, Ricky was given the ultimate accolade from his beloved hometown. He was born in Blackpool as his mother, Peggy, was evacuated there during the Second World War, but returned to the city just three days later. So to recognise his work in the entertainment industry, his support of many local charities and for being a true ambassador of where he was raised, Ricky was awarded the Freedom of the City of Liverpool.
Ricky Tomlinson commented, “I am thoroughly looking forward to being an In Conversation guest, which follows the wonderful honour I received from the people of Liverpool just three months ago when I was awarded the Freedom of the City of Liverpool. I hope some familiar faces from my past will attend and enjoy sharing our stories and anecdotes. My taste in music is very simple but each of my chosen pieces means something very special to me, so I hope the audience enjoys the music and the entire evening.”
Little Atom Productions co-producer Karen Podesta added, “His career has been so amazing thus far and he doesn’t show signs of stopping any time soon. His life story truly is a fascinating and inspirational one. I think we can safely say the audience are in for a real treat.”
The event will follow the popular tried and test In Conversation format. Ricky will pick his five favourite songs ahead of the event which will then be performed as entirely unique versions by five separate musical acts live on the night. The audience will also be treated to stills and clips from Ricky’s long and impressive career – there may even be a few special surprises thrown in!
Tomlinson will be interviewed on the evening by regular In Conversation presenter Mike Neary.
Mike Neary said, “Ricky Tomlinson has been a hero of mine for over 20 years. In addition to his iconic T.V. roles, I am looking forward to discussing a wide variety of subjects with him including his time with some of the most acclaimed film-makers in the business such as Ken Loach, Jimmy McGovern, Shane Meadows and Roland Joffe.”
In Conversation With Ricky Tomlinson takes place on Wednesday 4th March in the Concert Room of St George’s Hall Liverpool (North Entrance). Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start.
Tickets are priced at £25 and go on sale at 9am on Monday 12th January. They are available online from www.ticketquarter.co.uk or by telephoning 0844 8000 410 (online and telephone ticket sales are subject to a booking fee per transaction). Tickets can also be bought in person at the TicketQuarter booth at Queen’s Square (no fees apply).