A new, updated version of the heart-warming festive show My Big Fat Belfast Christmas will take centre stage at Theatre at The Mill this December.
The new script was completed by Caroline Curran and Julie Maxwell, shortly before her untimely death, which stunned the Northern Ireland theatre community. .
Theatre at the Mill’s Christmas show is dedicated to the life and work of the much loved actress, who tragically died in August.
Caroline said it had been a difficult decision to proceed with the production but she wanted to celebrate her best friend’s life and keep her memory alive.
“This was the first piece we wrote together and instead of writing a sequel, Julie wanted us to update it and add some polish to it. Her family is so proud of her and they want to see her work performed.
“There is a big hole in everybody’s lives that will never be filled. I want to share the incredible talent Julie had. She always wanted to make people feel good. We had a fantastic relationship with Theatre at the Mill and we want to celebrate Julie’s memory and talent by giving everybody a great night out,” said Caroline.
The updated show includes many new touches including the appearance of Alexa, references to Brexit, Harry and Meghan, as well as an amazing ‘Stormount’ Rap.
Regular cast members Jimmy Doran and Abby McGibbon are back to play their original parts along with Caroline but they will be joined by exciting newcomers Bernadette Brown and Matthew Sharpe. The production is directed by Fionnuala Kennedy who directed the original version back in 2015.
My Big Fat Belfast Christmas is an hilarious and typically brash reworking of the Nativity Story, showing the ups and downs of spending Christmas with the ones you love.
There are lots of surprises including a miracle birth and visits from three ‘not wise uncles’. It’s the night before Christmas and Ma Mary and Da Joe are getting the house ready for the homecoming of elder daughter Mary and her hunky new boyfriend Youcef.
Younger sister Mags, girl about town and would-be Instagram millionaire, is not looking forward to the return of her uppity sister, ‘Lady Muck’, while her parents are afraid Youcef will think they are a bunch of hallions.
Caroline added: “We set out to capture the madness and mayhem and the warmth of a Belfast family Christmas. Julie loved this time of year with all the family rituals and there are lots of little touches of her own family traditions in the script. I hope it reflects her warmth and unique personality.”
The show runs from December 3-31. To book contact the Box Office on 028 9034 0202 or go to www.theatreatthemill.com
