A BRAND new production of offbeat romantic comedy Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune (21 May - 2 June) is to be directed by Northern Stage Associate Director Mark Calvert (James & the Giant Peach, Northern Stage). Now a modern classic, it was written by American playwright Terrence McNally, who also wrote the screenplay for the hit 1991 film starring Al Pacino and Michelle Pfeiffer.

An intimate look at the first fragile moments of risking your heart and taking a chance, Frankie and Johnny has been described as an ‘anti-rom com’. Director Mark Calvert said, “It’s a beautifully brilliant play. Every time I read it, it takes on a new intensity; it’s quite beautiful – sad, as well as funny. I’m really excited to be working with designer Rhys Jarman again – the entire play takes place in one, small New York apartment so we’ve reimagined the space – one of the biggest stages in the country - to create an intimate setting. By staging it in traverse, the audience can literally get up close and personal as these two ordinary people lay bare their vulnerability and try to figure out whether it’s more than a one night stand.”

Fresh from leaving EastEnders, Richard Blackwood will play Johnny. After early career success in stand-up comedy, music and TV presenting, Blackwood turned his attention to acting and received a Best Actor nomination this week in the UK Soap Awards for his role as Vincent in EastEnders. Stage appearances include the West End production of Tennessee Williams’ Pulitzer Prize-winning classic, Cat On A Hot Tin Roof which also enjoyed a sell-out run on Broadway, and two years playing Donkey in the hit musical theatre adaptation of Shrek!

Ruth Everett will play Frankie. A regular with the Royal Shakespeare Company, Ruth has also made TV appearances including Sherlock and Holby City on BBC ONE.

  • Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune, Newcastle Northern Stage, May 21 - June 2 2018. Tickets start at £10. For full details or to book tickets see http://northernstage.co.uk or call the box office on 0191 230 5151.