An up-and-coming theatre company has issued a county-wide casting call for the stars of its first stage production, which tells the story of the age-old rivalry between Liverpool and Manchester.
Two Cities Half the World Away, by One Night in Istanbul writer Nicky Allt, finds Scouser Liam and Mancunian Terry unceremoniously thrown into the same prison cell after a rowdy night of drinking while on holiday. Historic rivalries flare up, and the fiercely loyal pair clash due to their passion for their respective football clubs. But as the night wears on, in the small confines of their shared prison, the two men set aside their prejudices, and learn they are not so different after all.
The play will be the first ever produced by the Beyond The Line theatre company - and director Callum O'Brien is looking for two unknown actors to play the stars.
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He said: "Liam is funny, I'd describe him as a quality Scouser. He's got all the amazing traits that Scousers have, he can take a joke, loves to have a good laugh, loves where he comes from and is really proud of it. The same can be said for Terry. The only difference between them is that one is a Scouser and one is Mancunian, and that's the only reason they dislike each other, but they're both quality lads who would get on really well if they gave each other a chance.
"This is a great opportunity for someone to get their teeth into acting professionally for the first time, especially young actors who may have just finished a theatre course. It's a chance to get onto a good stage in a beautiful theatre, and there's no better message to give than this. There's many ways you can go with this play and plenty of fun you can have with it - it's very exciting."
However, he said the two starring roles were not made exclusively for young actors - and that adult males of any age are invited to attend the auditions at the Liverpool Arts Bar on Hope Street on March 15.
The play, which makes is debut at the Epstein Theatre this summer, is Callum's first venture into theatre production. The 18-year-old, from Litherland, recently completed a two year acting course at LIPA sixth form, inspired by a lifelong love of showbusiness.
He said: "This is the start of my directing career, and Beyond The Line is only two months old, so it's all very new. I hope people give us a chance, come and watch the play and have a good night, have a good laugh, but also go home with it in their heads how amazing these two cities are.
"There's always been a competition between Liverpool and Manchester, but they're two amazing cities in their own rights, two of the best in the country, and we should break those barries down and come together more than we do. I want people from Manchester to come and see this is a celebration of what's from Liverpool, and what's from Manchester."
Anyone who wants to audition for a starring role in Two Cities Half the World Away is asked to email callum@beyondthelinetheatre.co.uk. The play will run at the Epstein Theatre on Hanover Street on August 18 and 19.
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