Blackburn’s Liam Grunshaw is taking on one of his biggest challenges as he directs Steven Berkoff’s cockney comedy ‘East’.

Liam, 49, who has starred in Coronation Street and a stint touring with The National Theatre is hoping the new version will relate with modern audiences.

“It is certainly original, visually stunning and funny and audiences have loved it. It features a downcast family from the East End of London who speak in almost Shakespearean language and what makes it really relevant is that it gives forgotten people a voice.”

Former Pleckgate High School student said the ‘Complete Works of Shakespeare’ transformed his life when he picked it up for a pound.

He said: “I only ever studied two plays in my whole time at school.

“It was a life-changing moment. Something just resonated. I became a professional actor and have since worked in productions ranging from classical tragedy to physical theatre and pantomime.”

Lancashire Telegraph:

‘East’ comes to the King’s Arms Theatre in Salford

In his direction, Liam will be updating the 1970’s original by nodding to the role of social media in vocalising working-class issues now. 

He said: “Too often, social media is viewed as negative and even toxic, but members of the cast have pointed out that movements such as Black Lives Matter and #MeToo grew because of the likes of Twitter.”

‘East’ is one of many diverse offerings at the world-renowned Greater Manchester Fringe festival. And producer Gareth Kavanagh is certain it is a production you won’t want to miss.

He added: “We are pitching ‘East’ as the sharpest cut in the Fringe. It has a cast with stellar experience and talent. and in Liam we have a director who makes Berkoff – one of modern theatre’s most popular practitioners – come back to life. It really is quality fare.”.

“One of the North’s premier actors Christopher Eccleston recently revealed that he thinks it is now impossible for people from less privileged backgrounds to make it in the profession. 

“I find it hard to disagree. But as we unleash ‘East’ onto The Fringe, perhaps we will inspire someone in the way the ‘Complete Works of Shakespeare’ fired me. We would certainly never be able to produce plays like “East” without them.”

‘East’ is being performed at the King’s Arms Theatre in Salford between the 20-23 July. 

For tickets you can click here