In the stage version of Rita, Sue & Bob Too!, Warren Donnelly plays Dad, with the show currently open at The Princess Theatre in Hunstanton. Rita, Sue & Bob Too! is touring throughout the UK ending at Liverpool Olympia in April, and Warren is in the cast with Kay Nicholson (Rita), Jenna Sian O’Hara (Sue), Jake Quickenden (Bob) and Jessica Ellis (Michelle). Warren is a regular performer in pantomimes, which has seen him appear in shows such as Cinderella and Aladdin, and on screen, he played Roscoe in episodes of Coronation Street last year, had guest roles in series including Doctors, Cold Feet and Life on Mars, and across the first seven series of Shameless, Warren played Stan Waterman. Answering our questions, Warren talks about playing Dad in the current tour of Rita, Sue & Bob Too!, regularly performing in pantomimes and his time as Stan Waterman in Shameless.
For those that haven’t seen Rita, Sue & Bob Too!, can you say about the show?
It’s a raucous comedy and drama, from the early 1980s, that captures life in all its rough and ready glory, written by a unique talent.
How much did you know about the 1987 film before booking the role of Dad and how does it feel to be part of the stage version?
I saw the fim when it was released and loved it, and it’s a joy to be part of this version.
What is Dad like to play and how did you prepare for the role?
Dad is a peach of a role, really fun to do. Preparation? Learn the lines and go for it!
How was it opening on 4th February at St Helens Theatre Royal and seeing the audience response to the production?
We have had fantastic audiences every night, opening night included. It’s had a fantastic response, and I knew it would in rehearsals. It’s a great feeling.
What are you enjoying most about performing in Rita, Sue & Bob Too! and touring with the play?
I’m enjoying every aspect of this production.
What was it like meeting the rest of the cast for the first time, which includes Kay Nicholson as Rita, Jenna Sian O’Hara as Sue and Jake Quickenden as Bob, and how is it working with them?
Meeting the cast was great, some new faces, some familiar ones. We got to work on the show and bonded together, a very happy situation.
Is there anything you are most looking forward to for continuing your role of Dad, and why would you recommend booking tickets to see Rita, Sue & Bob Too!, which is booking until Saturday 12th April at Liverpool Olympia – the final venue?
I’m loving being Dad! And I would recommend booking to see the show – it’s a great piece of writing, a great night out, and you can’t beat live theatre.
You are a regular performer in pantomimes, and have been part of shows such as Cinderella, Aladdin, Sleeping Beauty and The Wizard of Oz; do you have a favourite aspect of performing in pantomimes?
Panto is some of the hardest work you’ll ever do as an actor, but the response from the audience makes it worthwhile. It’s a tradition that goes back hundreds of years, it has its own magic, and kids (even grown up ones) still love it.
How was it playing Roscoe in episodes of Coronation Street last year?
Third time I’ve done Corrie, and Roscoe was a great role, and to do Coronation Street, it’s part of television history.
What is it like having guest roles in shows such as Doctors, Cold Feet and Life on Mars?
To play a guest role in anything is great, and if it’s good quality telly, with talented people, then it’s even better.
Across the first seven series of Shameless, you played the role of Stan Waterman, what was the series like to be part of and what was Stan like to play?
I was so lucky to be in Shameless, I got to work with some exceptional actors and directors, made me a better actor, and I never stopped learning, and I loved Stan as a character.
Do you have any stand-out memories from your time working on Shameless that you can tell us about?
My memories of Shameless are very happy ones, it was the delight of going into work, knowing I was part of something very good.
How did you originally get into acting and was it something you always wanted to do professionally?
I always wanted to act from the time I joined the Everyman Youth Theatre in Liverpool (aged 11!) and I’ve pursued it and have been able to work on a regular basis, for which I’m grateful.
What are some of your favourite films, TV and theatre shows to watch, and how do you like to spend your time away from acting?
Films and TV – good thrillers, all those American films of the late 60s to mid-70s, good dramas, documentaries, anything that grabs you and engages you.
Away from acting? Reading, cooking, walking, bit of swimming – and sneaking out to the pub!
Follow Warren on: