We’re absolutely delighted to see four of our incredible actors nominated in this year’s prestigious Inside Soap Awards. Their talent and dedication have shone through on screen, and it’s fantastic to see their work recognised at this level.

Isabelle Smith, who captured audiences last year with her powerful performances as Frankie Osborne in Hollyoaks, is now nominated for Best Actress—a major leap following her win for Best Newcomer in 2024. Meanwhile, Jacob Roberts continues to impress viewers as Kit Green in Coronation Street, earning a well-deserved nomination for Best Actor this year.

Shebz Miah has made a huge impact in his debut role as Kammy Hadiq on Emmerdale, and we’re thrilled to see him nominated for Best Newcomer. And receiving not one, but two nominations this year is Zak Sutcliffe, recognised both for his role as Bobby Costello in Hollyoaks with a Best Newcomer nod, and for Best Drama Star thanks to his work on Waterloo Road. Zak’s exceptional performances across two major dramas make him one to watch.

We are incredibly proud of Isabelle, Jacob, Shebz, and especially Zak for his double recognition. These nominations are a testament to their hard work, passion, and undeniable screen presence. As voting opens, we’ll be cheering them on every step of the way. Get voting now!!

The Old Vic’s Girl from the North Country has now officially opened, with press night taking place on July 9, 2025. Running until August 23, this acclaimed musical by Conor McPherson, featuring the songs of Bob Dylan, returns to its original home after first premiering there in 2017.

The cast includes Colin Bates, Katie Brayben, and Colin Connor—reprising their roles from the West End and Broadway—with a 23-strong company of actors and musicians bringing the story to life.

Conor McPherson, writer and director of the show, expressed his excitement about the return to the Old Vic, stating that it’s a “spiritual home where it all began,” according to the West End Best Friend. The show has received critical acclaim and has been performed internationally, including on Broadway and in Canada.

Colin Connor’s portrayal of Nick Laine in Girl from the North Country at the New Vic has drawn glowing five-star praise for its emotional depth and nuanced authority. Critics highlighted Connor’s “De Niro-esque commanding voice and sense of authority” as he adeptly balances the character’s rage and vulnerability, while carrying the weight of a family’s financial and personal struggles. His performance was described as “a vigorously building arc of stress and a heartwarming finish line of care and love,” expertly drawing laughter and sympathy in equal measure. Reviewers also noted how Connor’s internal conflict—torn between love, duty, and infidelity—remains startlingly relatable and likeable throughout, showcasing his remarkable ability to anchor the show’s raw emotional core.

Widely hailed as “the funniest farce ever written,” Noises Off takes audiences on a riotous ride through the onstage and backstage chaos of a hapless touring theatre company attempting to perform the fictional play Nothing On.

Told across three brilliantly crafted acts, we follow the troupe through their chaotic final rehearsals, a backstage view of an unravelling matinee, and a spectacularly disastrous closing night performance.

This production marks the first-ever in-the-round staging of Frayn’s classic at the Scarborough Joseph Theatre — a bold and fresh take on a much-loved comedy.

We’re proud to be supporting this production with the brilliant Charlie Ryan, who stars alongside a talented cast including Valerie Antwi, Adam Astill, Andy Cryer, Christopher Godwin, Annie Kirkman, Alex Phelps, Susan Twist, and Olivia Woolhouse.

A true cornerstone of British comedy, Noises Off paved the way for shows like The Play That Goes Wrong and remains a masterclass in theatrical mayhem.

Don’t miss this uproarious celebration of everything that can go wrong on (and off) the stage — and usually does.

Playing at the Scarborough Joseph Theatre from 9 August – 6 September.

Channel 4 Announces New Comedy Pushers – Premiering 19th June

Channel 4 has confirmed that Pushers, a bold new comedy from Rosie Jones, will premiere with a double bill on Thursday 19th June at 10pm and 10:30pm.

Co-written by Jones and Peter Fellows, the six-part series is based on Rosie’s award-winning short Disability Benefits. It follows Emily, a woman with cerebral palsy who turns to drug dealing after losing her job and benefits. The show blends dark humour with a sharp social critique, challenging stereotypes and flipping assumptions on their head.

Rosie stars as Emily alongside a stellar cast including Ryan McParland, Jon Furlong, Lynn Hunter, Rhiannon Clements, Ruben Reuter, Libby Mai, Trevor Dwyer-Lynch, and Clive Russell as her dad. Catch the brilliant Peter Slater, in episodes 1 and 3.

Don’t miss the premiere Thursday 19th June on Channel 4 and All4.

Absolutely thrilled to celebrate Isabelle Smith‘s remarkable achievement at the 2025 British Soap Awards! Isabelle clinched the Best Newcomer award for her compelling portrayal of Frankie Osborne in Hollyoaks, marking a significant milestone in her burgeoning career.

Her performance in the emotionally charged storyline addressing sibling sexual abuse was not only poignant but also instrumental in Hollyoaks securing the Best Storyline award. Additionally, the Osborne family, central to this narrative, was honoured with the Best Family award, underscoring the show’s impactful storytelling this year.

Isabelle’s dedication to her role has garnered widespread acclaim, with critics and fans alike praising her nuanced performance. Her portrayal has been described as “heart-breaking” and “authentic,” shedding light on sensitive issues with grace and depth.

Beyond the British Soap Awards, Isabelle’s talent has been recognized with nominations for the Caroline Aherne Prize for Best Breakthrough Talent at the Royal Television Society Awards North West and a longlist nomination for Best Newcomer at the TV Choice Awards.

Congratulations, Isabelle! Your achievements are a testament to your talent and hard work. 

Revisit the much-loved children’s classic “The Railway Children”– on the very train tracks where the film was shot.

Mike Kenny’s enchanting stage adaptation of E. Nesbit’s classic novel has won thousands of admirers since it premiered in 2008. Now, for the first time, they’re taking this production for a ride along the iconic Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, familiar to millions from the film adaptation.

Exclusively for Bradford 2025, the show begins when you board a steam train at Keighley, then travel the full length of this historic railway. When you reach the end of the line at Oxenhope, you’ll find a purpose-built auditorium within the station’s Engine Shed – and a new version of the production, which tells the story of three children forced to move from London to Yorkshire after their father is falsely imprisoned.

The stage adaptation is being presented in Bradford as part of the Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture celebrations, and features a cast including Farah Ashraf (Roberta), Raj Digva (Peter), and Jessica Kaur (Phyllis).

Reece Dinsdale has just been announced to stars in Through It All Together – a passionate, funny and deeply moving new play by Leeds writer Chris O’Connor.

A love letter to Marcelo Bielsa, the beautiful game, and the unbreakable bonds between fans and family.

Howard and Sue are a typical Yorkshire couple facing the challenges of dementia — but their love for Leeds United keeps them fighting. As Bielsa arrives to take the reins at Elland Road, can his revolution spark something not just in the club, but in their own lives?

With mislaid teabags, a legendary chilli recipe, and the dream of a long-awaited Premier League return, Through It All Together is a story of resilience, blind faith, and the kind of stubborn hope only football can inspire.

Coming to Leeds Play House 23rd June till 19th July 2025!

This is Leeds. This is love. And this is Reece Dinsdale, live on stage.

After a year’s hiatus, the British Soap Awards are back to celebrate the country’s most beloved soaps and their stars.

The ceremony itself will take place this June and will be hosted by Jane McDonald, with awards on the night being presented by a slew of well-known faces from the world of TV.

The categories have been split into those that viewers can vote on themselves (which are now open) and panel judged nominations, which include the awards for Best On-Screen Partnership, Best Storyline, Best Newcomer, Scene of the Year and more.

In the category of Best Newcomer are Jacob Roberts (Kit Green) Coronation Street,  Shebz Miah (Kammy Hadiq) Emmerdale,  Isabelle Smith (Frankie Osborne) Hollyoaks, and Laura Doddington (Nicola Mitchell) EastEnders. 

Alex Priestly Talent is proud to represent three of the four nominees.

The first episode of the new Lonesome Pine productions miniseries aired on Monday evening (April 14) and delved into the gritty neighbourhood drama storyline. 

With a talented cast including Jill Halfpenny as Emma Barnett, Gavin & Stacey’s Larry Lamb as Terry and Downtown Abbey’s Amy Nuttall as Sonia and our very own Megan Trower as Beth Barnett, it is set to impress viewers. 

The Feud follows couple, Emma and John Barnett, who seemingly live a peaceful life with their neighbours. However, this all changes when Emma and John decide to add a kitchen extension to their house, which causes a lot of tension.

So far, the series has received many positive verdicts from fans including one who posted on X: ‘I rather enjoyed the first episode. Good cast of dodgy characters and a brisk pace. The flashforward opener was a great hook.’ 

Episode two will air on Channel 5 the same timeslot on Tuesday, April 15 with the third following on Wednesday, April 16.

After that, the remaining three episodes will air in the same Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday pattern the following week.

The BBC has announced their new show ‘Just Act Normal’, from award-winning writer Janice Okoh (Sanditon, Hetty Feather). The six-part series is based on Janice’s play Three Birds, winner of the prestigious Bruntwood Playwriting Prize, and is made for BBC iPlayer and BBC Three by The Forge Entertainment (The Buccaneers, Help, Ackley Bridge), a Banijay UK Company. 

Set in Birmingham and filmed across the West Midlands, Just Act Normal, focuses on when mum to Tiana, Tionne, and Tanika disappears and they fight to hide the truth from the outside world in order to stay together as a family. As Tiana struggles to keep their regular lives afloat, Tionne displaces his grief and Tanika tries to convince her teacher to adopt them, chaos erupts when their mum’s hapless drug dealer, Dr Feelgood, moves in.

The series is an irreverent portrait of black working-class teenage life. A coming-of-age story of sorts. The first times, the f*ck-ups, and the excruciating desire to be more grown up than you’re ready to be. It’s a celebration of black joy, of council estates, and corner shops. Of working-class living and working-class dreams. It is human and tender, with a thumping great heart.

Catch Kelise Gordon-Harrison playing series regular Shanice from 16th April 2025 on BBC 3 and iPlayer.

The Liverpool’s Royal Court and National Theatre production of Alan Bleasdale’s BOYS FROM THE BLACKSTUFF by James Graham, is coming the Lowry, Salford Quays.

‘80s Liverpool. Chrissie, Loggo, George, Dixie and Yosser are used to hard work and providing for their families. But there is no work and there is no money. What are they supposed to do? Work harder, work longer, buy cheaper, spend less? They just need a chance. Life is tough but the lads can play the game. Find the jobs, avoid the ‘sniffers’ and see if you can have a laugh along the way.
 
James Graham’s powerful new adaptation of Alan Bleasdale’s BAFTA award-winning TV series is directed by Kate Wasserberg and comes to Salford direct from the National Theatre and the West End featuring our very own Victoria Oxley.

Playing from 22nd to 26th April as part of a 20 venue tour.

Follow the dashing Richard Hannay as he embarks on a thrilling adventure filled with daring antics, romantic encounters and ghastly murders. Get set for a whirlwind of suspense taking you from the bustling streets of London to the remote Scottish Highlands, as four talented actors play over 150 characters. Don’t miss this exhilarating escapade that will have you laughing, gasping, and cheering for more!

Experience the mystery of Alfred Hitchcock’s iconic spy thriller, The 39 Steps, in Patrick Barlow’s brilliantly hilarious stage adaptation. This Olivier and Tony Award-winning comedy comes to life in a brand new production starring the brilliant Phil Yarrow.

Playing from the Wednesday 16th April to Saturday 10th May at the Octagon Bolton Theatre. 

In a recent Coronation Street storyline, Dee-Dee Bailey, a young solicitor, experiences severe complications during childbirth, including a haemorrhage and life-altering surgery, following a series of preventable errors by hospital staff. The storyline sheds light on systemic failings in UK maternity care.

After being rushed in for an emergency delivery, Dee-Dee suffers a haemorrhage and undergoes critical surgery—complications that could have been avoided if proper care had been given. She later considers filing an official complaint for gross negligence, believing that her concerns were dismissed due to her ethnicity.

The storyline, featuring Natalie Blaire and Kevin Finn, is inspired by real-world disparities in maternal healthcare. Research from MBRRACE-UK, an organisation that investigates maternal and infant deaths, reveals that Black women in the UK are 3.7 times more likely to die during pregnancy or within a year of giving birth compared to white women.

The eight-part series This City Is Ours, created by acclaimed writer Stephen Butchard, is set in the heart of Liverpool. It follows Michael, a man deeply entrenched in the city’s organized crime scene, whose newfound love makes him yearn for a life beyond his criminal past. As he attempts to break free, a missing shipment and his boss’s potential retirement ignite a fierce power struggle within the gang.

Starring Charlie De’ath, the full series will be available on BBC iPlayer from 6am on March 27, with the first episode airing on BBC One at 9pm that evening.

A must-see Northern comedy-drama, Departures dissects a toxic relationship with biting humor and raw emotion. Inspired by real heartbreak, this Manchester-made feature follows Benji, who meets the elusive and dominant Jake (David Tag) at an airport check-out gate. Their whirlwind monthly getaways to Amsterdam soon spiral into a doomed power dynamic. After being dumped, Benji struggles to move on, slipping into addiction and fleeting hook-ups, haunted by the love he lost. Created by a collective of working-class LGBT+ filmmakers, Departures is a darkly comic, emotionally charged ride—think Shirley Valentine meets LGBTQ Trainspotting. The film will premiere at the Manchester Film Festival before heading to London’s BFI Flare Festival. 

This fantastic film also features 10 other of our fantastic talents – Kimberly Hart-Simpson, Olly Rhodes, Isabelle Smith, Kelsea Knox, Andrew Purcell, Charlotte Linighan, Lynn Roden, Harvey Weedon, John O’Neill and Jake Haymes.