The Wanted’s Max George and former Coronation Street actress Brooke Vincent are amongst the first cast members to be announced for Kay Mellor’s final stage play, The Syndicate, which will tour the UK next year - with a stop at The Lowry.
The play, based on the hit BBC show of the same name, will be directed by Kay’s daughter and former Emmerdale actress Gaynor Faye. The show will tell the story of five supermarket workers whose lottery syndicate numbers come in just as their jobs and livelihoods are under threat.
The Syndicate will begin its UK tour at the Richmond Theatre in London from April 11-13 and will then head to Leeds, Norwich, Newcastle-upon-Tyne and New Brighton before stopping at the Lowry in Salford from May 17-19.
Speaking about making his stage acting debut in the show, former Strictly star Max said: "I’m delighted that my stage debut role is in The Syndicate. I’m such a huge fan of Kay’s work and it’s an honour to be part of this world premiere tour. I feel like I’ve won the lottery!"
Max will play the role of supermarket assistant Jamie, whilst his character’s sister-in-law Amy will be played by Brooke, who is most known for the role of Sophie Webster in Coronation Street from 2004 to 2019. The actress said: "I am so excited to be back on stage and thrilled to be working with Gaynor on The Syndicate.
"Kay was such a legend and the TV series was brilliant. She has written a brilliantly vibrant character in Amy and I can’t wait to get on the road and get my teeth into the role on stage."
Samantha Giles, who has played the role of Bernice Blackstock in Emmerdale off-an-one since 1998, will also appear in the play as kind-hearted worker Denise. Samantha said: "Kay Mellor was such a powerhouse who understood real people and like millions of others, I loved the TV series.
"I’m looking forward to bringing Denise to life on the stage and I can’t wait to be working with Gaynor and treading the boards once again."
Gaynor, who will make her directorial debut with the show, added: "I’m thrilled to welcome these three super talented actors to the UK tour of The Syndicate. I’ve worked with Sam a lot over the years and she’s great fun and a brilliant comedy actor, who’s perfect for the role of Denise.
"Brooke is also a wonderful actor with a huge heart, we first met through our charity work for When You Wish Upon A Star and I know she’s going to be a fantastic, feisty Amy. Max blew us away in his audition, he’s a natural and born to play Jamie.
"I know that my mum would be delighted with the brilliant cast we have assembled so far and I can’t wait for you all to see them in action."
Legendary writer Kay passed away in May 2022 at the age of 71. Alongside Fat Friends and The Syndicate, she is also known for creating Band Of Gold and co-creating CITV's Children's Ward.
Tickets for The Syndicate at The Lowry from May 17-19 can be purchased here.
