Based on the life of Viv Nicholson and directed by Josh Seymour, this carnivalesque musical comedy is the big-hearted experience everyone needs this festive season.
From rags-to-riches and back again, we follow working-class Yorkshire lass Viv who won a fortune on the Football Pools in 1961 went on lavish spending-sprees, splashing out on furs, cars, champagne and parties – until it all came crashing down around her.
Addicted to excess and seduced by materialism, Viv takes us through the kaleidoscopic and messy journey of her life. From the two-up two-downs of Castleford to the grandeur of Garforth, to new handbags and husbands, Viv faces the ultimate question: after the champagne stops flowing, can money really buy happiness? This carnivalesque musical comedy is the big-hearted experience everyone needs this festive season.
Directed by Josh Seymour and with Rachel Leskovac (nominated for an Olivier Award for her portrayal of the young Viv Nicholson in the original London production) in the leading role, this wildly funny and profoundly moving award-winning musical is an extraordinary rags-to-riches and back again story.
Dedicated to the memory of Steve Brown, who passed away earlier this year.
Check out this fascinating piece written by journalist Andy Murray, who you might recognise from the wonderful content he writes for our programmes. This piece tells us about the history of the pools, and for some this might feel nostalgic, to others perhaps something a bit new. Read more…
