Ricky Tomlinson returns to head the cast in this fantastic feelgood musical comedy

Smash-hit musical comedy Irish Annie's is embarking on a new major nationwide tour in 2025, returning to the Pavilion Theatre, Glasgow on 13th June!

Article Source: The Pavilion Theatre
Last Updated: 30 January 2025 15:08

Image Credit: David Munn

Much-loved actor and comedian Ricky Tomlinson returns to head a talented cast of performers in the unmissable musical production which will play 30 venues across England, Scotland and Wales between May and July 2025.

The tour will open at the Liverpool Olympia on 2 May and then travel to locations including Bradford – UK City of Culture 2025, Bolton, Birmingham, Newcastle upon Tyne, Leeds, Dundee, Glasgow, Lincoln, Worcester, Cardiff, Swansea and Exeter before ending at Gaiety Theatre in the Isle of Man on 4 July.

Irish Annie’s is an irresistible celebration of Irish culture.

Meet landlady Annie and her regular madcap customers for a fun night of music, comedy and mayhem, featuring original tracks written for the show by Asa Murphy along with your all-time favourite Irish tunes including Tell Me Ma, The Wild Rover, Dirty Old Town, Danny Boy and many more.

The evening promises to have the audience laughing, singing and dancing the night away. Ricky Tomlinson performs as himself, appearing as a celebrity guest in Annie’s pub. The actor and comedian is best known for his roles as Bobby Grant in Brookside, DCI Charlie Wise in Cracker and Jim Royle in The Royle Family. He also played the title character in Mike Bassett: England Manager, and more recently he has been seen on television alongside friend and former ‘screen wife’ Sue Johnston in Channel 4’s Ricky, Sue and a Trip or Two, and in ITV’s DNA Journey.
He is also a keen musician and plays both the banjo and harmonica.

Ricky Tomlinson said today: “Irish Annie’s is infectious, it’s a feelgood show, and it doesn’t matter where we play, people are always up on their feet at the end dancing and singing. So I’m made up to return for the 2025 tour, taking the craic all over the country and entertaining some great audiences along the way.

“I love meeting the people after the show who come to see us. I like to thank them for giving us their support. In fact, we spend as much time there at the end of the show as we do on stage!”

Ricky will be joined by actors Lynn Francis (Twopence to Cross the Mersey, By the Waters of Liverpool, The Royal, The Salon) as landlady Annie, Lynne Fitzgerald (Two, By the Waters of Liverpool, 2Georgeous4U, The Salon) as Moira the Money Lender and May, Nathan Murphy who returns as Porky the Postman and Richard Barry reprising the role of Noel Singen- Smithe – along with Irish Annie’s creator Asa Murphy as Seamus Murphy and the toetapping, foot-stomping six-piece band The Shenanigans who perform live at every show.

Irish Annie’s is brought to the stage by Bill Elms Productions (Judy and Liza, Swan Song, Jerry Springer the Opera, Something About Simon, Something About George) and Asa Murphy Productions (Buddy Holly Lives, The Bobby Darin Story, New Generations, The Monkey with No Bum) and directed by Emma Vaudrey and Asa Murphy.

The newly announced dates follow a hugely successful tour of the UK and Ireland during spring 2024 where it played to thousands of people and won glowing reviews from critics who described it as “a show with a huge heart and barrels of love” and “a joyous celebration of Irish culture”.

Irish Annie’s writer Asa Murphy has been a successful entertainer for nearly 20 years, performing all over the world singing Big Band swing music and his own self-penned songs. He has sold out London’s Ronny Scott’s, topped the bill at the Liverpool Empire and has sung on some of the most beautiful liners in the world. He has also been on the airwaves for a decade and hosts a very popular radio show.

In 2019 he turned his talents to writing stage musicals and has so far had three hit shows – Buddy Holly Lives, Mack the Knife and Irish Annie’s, as well as two children’s shows.

He says: “I was bowled over by the response Irish Annie’s received when we took it on tour earlier this year, and I’m absolutely delighted we’re going back on the road in 2025 – revisiting some old friends as well as introducing Annie and her eccentric customers to a lot of new people.

“I’m also delighted that Ricky Tomlinson is joining us once again. Along with being a brilliant entertainer and storyteller he’s great fun to work with, and of course the audience absolutely loves him.

“Irish Annie’s is a celebration of Irish culture and what makes the people of Ireland so special; music, laughter, and dealing with adversity through friendship and community. I guarantee you’ll leave the theatre with a spring in your step and a song on your lips.”

And Bill Elms adds: “Irish Annie’s has gone from strength to strength since it was first staged in Liverpool a few years ago. It’s a big, warm-hearted, feelgood show which appeals to everyone whether they have Irish blood running through their veins or not.

“The tour this spring was fantastic so I can’t wait to take the show back on the road next May, complete with some new cast members joining the Irish Annie’s ‘family’ and with even more dates planned than in 2024.”

For more details on Irish Annie’s visit www.irishannies.com

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Glasgow News

Breaking the Silence Gig: Last Minute Tickets available for Oran Mor

Last-minute tickets are still available for JJ “Jinky” Gilmour’s Breaking the Silence show at Oran Mor on Thursday 27th November.

Santa clocks in early: Scotland shift heroes among 30,000 invited to claim free festive meal

Greene King pubs is raising the spirits of Scotland's hardest workers this festive season, hosting 'The Big Christmas Shift' across 700 pubs nationwide, giving away 30,000 meals on Monday 1st December

Festive days out to make the most of the season

From wreath-making workshops through to New Year’s Eve street parties, here's a rounded up some of the best events to help make the most of the season with loved ones in a fun and creative way.

SAY Award winner announced as Kai Reesu

Kai Reesu’s ‘KOMPROMAT vol.i’ was tonight announced as winner of The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, as the country’s national music prize Ceremony took place in Dundee’s Caird Hall.

Flight Club Glasgow launches limited edition Winter Menu and Festive Brunch

Flight Club Glasgow kicks off Christmas party season with the unveiling of its specially curated limited-edition menu and festive celebration-worthy bottomless brunch.

Citizens Theatre announces Associate Companies and Artists programme plus new shows for 2026

The Citizens Theatre has announced a new initiative to support and collaborate with artists and theatre companies, alongside more productions in its reopening year.

Glasgow Kelvin College hosts Big Scottish Breakfast and beauty event for STV Childrens Appeal

Glasgow Kelvin College students dished up community spirit in style earlier this month, raising £700 for the STV Children's Appeal through a Big Scottish Breakfast and beauty event.

Aldi opens applications for Christmas food donations programme in Glasgow

Aldi is calling on charities, community groups and food banks in Glasgow to sign up for surplus food donations from its stores this Christmas.

Public vote opens for Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 as scene flourishes

A stellar lineup of nominees has been announced for the Scottish Jazz Awards 2025, showcasing the exceptional talent flourishing across Scotland's vibrant jazz scene.

From Pop to Print: Bobby Bluebell Unveils Forevermore at Glasgow Print Studio

Glasgow Print Studio is delighted to announce the launch of Forevermore, a new limited-edition print by Bobby Bluebell.

Winter Wonderland at St Enoch Square set to open this Thursday

Glasgow's Winter Wonderland gets underway this week with the opening of St Enoch Square on Thursday 6th November from 12 noon until 9pm.

The Christmas tradition of the year is back...

Scotland's biggest Christmas drive-in returns: 11 days of Elf, Home Alone & more at Loch Lomond Shores!

Have a merry little Christmas at Glasgow Science Centre

Make this winter one to remember at Glasgow Science Centre! Discover a line-up of unmissable seasonal events packed with science, wonder and festive fun!

Four top chefs in Glasgow team up to raise money for Hospitality Health

Four of Glasgow's top chefs are teaming up on Thursday 13th November to host a charity dinner for Glasgow based charity, Hospitality Health.

Go to Christmas market for locally made gifts returns to Glasgow city centre

Mary's Meals' much-loved market – where your Christmas shopping can help feed hungry children – returns at The Social Hub this November!

Peter Kay announces triumphant return to the OVO Hydro next year

Extra tickets released including premium seats to celebrate his record-breaking stand-up tour.

Unfolded brings sustainable pop up shop and sample sale back to Glasgow for one weekend only at the iconic Buchanan Galleries

Groundbreaking Scottish sustainable ladies fashion brand Unfolded is returning to the heart of Glasgow and the homeland of ladies fashion for one weekend only.

Martin Compston to bring star power to Hoolie in the Hydro as co host

Celebrated Scottish actor Martin Compston has been announced as the co-host for this year's highly anticipated Hoolie in the Hydro: The Big Yin.

Buchanan Galleries marks Purple Tuesday with Charity Partnerships

Buchanan Galleries is marking Purple Tuesday, on 4th November, with a series of initiatives designed to champion accessibility and inclusion within the centre.

Pizza Punks is coming to town with an all new door to door delivery service

Pizza Punks Glasgow have revealed a revolutionary new service, door to door delivery, and to celebrate, the pizza scene disrupters are offering 50% off your first order!

Reward offered for return of Elvis artwork stolen from The Clutha Bar in Glasgow

The Clutha Bar and local artist Moe Rocksmoore are appealing for the safe return of Elvis, a much-loved artwork created by children and young people from Glasgow and Renfrewshire schools.

Book Tales: Storytelling through the lives of readers past and present

This November, the University of Glasgow and The Mitchell Library invite you to explore the rich and historical life of books in a series of engaging Being Human Festival.

First Bus gives Remembrance free travel for all Armed Forces, veterans and cadets

First Bus is offering free travel for all veterans and UK Armed Forces personnel travelling to Remembrance Day activities of Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.

Scotland Meats Germany

Scotland's favourite beer, Tennent's Lager, has unveiled the world's first ever Square Wurst - a Scottish classic with a German twist - to mark the launch of Tennent's Bavarian Pilsner.

Cineworld Glasgow Silverburn unveils luxury recliners and immersive 4DX experience

Cineworld Glasgow Silverburn has just completed a major transformation, introducing luxury recliner seating and an immersive 4DX auditorium!

Scottish Ensemble brings warmth to wintry nights with Concerts by Candlelight tour

Concert by Candlelight, Scottish Ensemble's celebrated long-running winter tour, returns for eight awe-inspiring performances in intimate settings around Scotland this December.

Crossbasket Castle unveils festive events for 2025

As the festive season approaches, five-star Scottish castle, Crossbasket Castle, has unveiled its calendar of seasonal events and experiences.

Feel the festive cheer at Dobbies Charity Christmas Shopping Night

Dobbies is encouraging customers to come along to their nearest store and to be the first to shop exclusive Black Friday offers at its late-night shopping event, in aid of Alzheimer's Research UK.

Autumn Offers at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection

Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed to inspire cosy autumn getaways and early festive escapes across Scotland.