Satin 'n' Steel

Phil Preece visits the Lichfield Garrick to talk to the stars of Amanda Whittington’s showbiz drama Satin ‘n’ Steel…

It’s always nice to hear the story behind any new production and that goes big-time for Satin ‘n’ Steel because I know it’s a play with music that offers a tantalising peek behind the showbiz curtain. This newly mounted production, a year in the planning for its three month tour has been updated by author Amanda Whittington to reflect our national obsession with the make-or-break X-Factor culture that’s grown up since the play first saw the light of day.

https://youtu.be/iPGnafx_MV4

Star Tom Roberts (Doctors, Emmerdale) explains: “It’s basically a play with music, featuring loads of great songs.

“Vince is a successful singer who’s been working the clubs for ever. He’s in the twilight of his career now but still dreams of making it. So when he hears talented but unsure Teena sing at a karaoke evening, Satin ‘n’ Steel is born, a new partnership both personal and professional. For Vince it’s not just a new lease of life – she could be his passport to finally making it big.”

Kilke John (Crazy For You, A Christmas Carol), who plays the young Teena, adds: “What liked when I first read it is that this is a play like Blood Brothers where the music arises naturally out of the storyline. It’s thought-provoking too – Amanda has cleverly updated the play to reflect the current debate over migrant workers by making Teena and her mother Polish migrants. Plus Teena may be naive and her mother forceful, but their roller-coaster relationship definitely has love at its heart.”

This new Satin n’ Steele has a tight production team with an excellent pedigree from past Garrick Rep successes – director Gareth Tudor Price, designer John Brooking and of course the writer Amanda Whittington who has cleverly made use of Kilka’s own non UK native background, plus there’s the fact that she and Tom are a real-life couple so the chemistry’s there right from the start.

Kilke tells me: “This play is perfect for a friends-group night out – it’s funny, poignant, with great music – a bitter-sweet comedy with great drama.”

By now I’m really looking forward to seeing the update on this classic play about a surprising romance everyone can identify with.

As I say goodbye Tom and Kilke are off for more rehearsals. Bring it on, I say!

Satin ‘n’ Steel runs in the Garrick Studio from April 21 to 25 with Thursday and Saturday matinees plus special friends offer, then touring nationally.

For tickets phone the box office on 01543 412121 or go online at www.lichfieldgarrick.com.