When it comes to writing a dark comedy about power, money and succession, Lancaster’s Christine Mackie is streets ahead.
The actor, who’s played Coronation Street’s Dr Gaddas for eight years, has written KIN, which premieres at The Dukes this May.
KIN also features Lancaster’s Roberta Kerr and is directed by Sue Jenkins. All three are over 60 and have Coronation Street connections.
Roberta seduced Ken Barlow as Wendy Crozier in 1989 and Sue appeared as barmaid Gloria Todd for four years.
Joining Roberta on stage in KIN is Ulverston’s Kerry Willison-Parry, who’s in her fifties.
“I wanted to create women characters in their fifties and sixties who bucked the trend of what you might expect to see on stage and screen,” said Christine, whose acting career began at The Dukes in 1979.
In KIN, Roberta plays newly-widowed Kay opposite Kerry, making her Dukes debut as Steph. The sisters-in-law meet for the first time in years at a family funeral but nothing could prepare them for the revelations that lie ahead.
Sue read the script as she would a bestselling thriller. “It’s a beautifully written play with superbly drawn characters, brilliant witty dialogue and great depth,” she said.
“ It’s full of shocking surprises and dark family secrets, which will wrong foot the audience at every turn, making them laugh and cry in equal measure.”
KIN is Christine’s second play, following the success of Best Girl, a semi-autobiographical work based on her experience as the daughter of a World War Two veteran who took his own life. Christine’s own daughter, Lois, played the lead.
As well as writing KIN, Christine has produced podcasts featuring interviews with five women, including herself, who’ve made significant changes to their lives in their sixties. They include acclaimed playwright, April De Angelis who joined Extinction Rebellion; former theatremaker Karen Draisey who decided in her sixties to revisit a formative time in her twenties when she worked for East German television; and Janie Ash who started a meditation centre after a long career in advertising and radio. All will be available soon on christinemackie.com
KIN has been made possible with funding from Arts Council England and support from The Dukes where Christine has appeared in many productions and is one of their Honorary Patrons.
“The Dukes has been part of my life for so long, it means a great deal that KIN will open there.”
• KIN runs from 25th – 28th May 2022 at The Dukes, Moor Lane, Lancaster with a BSL performance on 26th May and a matinee on 28th May. To book tickets priced £8-£15, ring The Dukes box office on 01524 598500, email tickets@dukeslancaster.org or visit dukeslancaster.org