Cast announced for forthcoming play at South Shields Customs House

Cherryade Supernova by Andrew Finnigan – a story about friends discovering what it really means to be “cool” – will be directed by local actor Abigail Lawson.

The Takeover production gives emerging actors the opportunity to gain experience with this year’s offering following on from the success of Reece Connolly’s Wormtown and Elijah Young’s Isolation.

“We saw such a great range of talent over two days, and we are thrilled to have found such a talented cast,” Mr Finnigan said.

"I am excited to see what Abigail and the company will do with my script!.”

Josie - one of the central characters in the production, and around whose house party much of the action revolves - will be played by Gateshead actress Chloe Jane Millar.

She has previously played Rosie in Bridges Apart at the Union Theatre, London, and is due back at the Customs House later this year to play the Fairy in the venue’s Rapunzel pantomime production.

Playing her best friend Josh will be South Tynesider Benjamin Michael Smith.

His recent stage credits include Jack Orben in Overdue and Chuck in Burlesque’D.

Lucy Marie Curry, from Tyneside, who has appeared at the Customs House before, will play Sophie.

Jackson Watson will be making his acting debut as Jae while Jack Breedon, from Cullercoats, will play the part of Reece.

Playing the part of Callum will be Kieron Michael, from Birtley, who recently graduated from Manchester School of Theatre and has performed at the National Theatre.

Emily Corless, from County Durham, will play Stevie, having graduated from Newcastle Theatre Royal’s actor training company, Project A, last year.

Finally, Becky Lindsay, from Sunderland, will take on the role of Lily.

Award-winning writer Tom Wells has been mentoring Andrew through his first writing experience.

Andrew, from Simonside, is an actor who has worked closely with the Customs House and was a proud member of the Customs House Youth Theatre from 2012-2017.

Jake Smith, who has directed the last two Takeover plays, is mentoring Abigail through her directorial debut.

For tickets, which are set at a "pay what you decide” rate, contact the box office on (0191) 454 1234 or visit www.customshouse.co.uk.

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