Preview: Lucky Numbers at Customs House, South Shields

Award-Winning Comedy

Returns To The North East

Lucky Numbers

Customs House, South Shields

15 - 25 October 2014.

An award-winning comedy is returning to its native North East after wowing theatre-goers around the world.

Lucky Numbers, which has been staged as far afield as Finland and New Zealand, will be returning to the Customs House Arts Centre, South Shields from October 15 to 25 2014.

The Newcastle-set show, written by acclaimed playwright Mike Yeaman, will star North East actress Pat Dunn as a forgetful grandmother who challenges her family to ‘buck their ideas up’ before she’ll hand over her winning lottery ticket.

Pat, who recently appeared in BBC sitcom Hebburn, originated the role in 2008 and is eagerly anticipating her return to the cantankerous character. 

She said: “Lucky Numbers is such an amazing show. I’m absolutely delighted to be stepping into Nana’s shoes again and can’t wait to tread the boards on the Customs House stage.”

The new production is being brought to the stage by award-winning director Michael Strassen, who already holds a series of accolades, including Best Director and Best Production in the Off West End Theatre Awards, and is currently receiving rave reviews for his work at the Union Theatre in London.

Michael, who is originally from Seaham, said: “I’m honoured to be taking the director’s chair for a comedy caper that is as lively and loved as Lucky Numbers.  “This is a hilarious, warts and all play about the real people of Newcastle, that had me laughing out loud on the first read of the script. And am looking forward to working in my native North East throughout the show’s 10 day run at the Customs House.”                                                                                 

Lucky Numbers, which features a supporting cast of North East actors, is the latest play by writer Mike Yearman to be staged at the Customs House, which also hosted the debut of his comedy Canoeing for Beginners.  

Mike, who currently has six shows in production and pre-production across Europe, said: “I am thrilled to be bringing Lucky Numbers back to the Customs House as the team there have always been supportive of my work.  It's brilliant seeing the plays go down so well with overseas audiences but nothing beats having productions back here at home.  It will be fantastic to know that while audiences at the Customs House are laughing away, there are three other European audiences laughing at the same time!”

Tickets for Lucky Numbers at the Customs House, South Shields, priced from £14 or £26 including an evening meal, are available now by calling 0191 4541234 or visiting www.customshouse.co.uk