A few years have passed since cage-fighter Alex Reid became a target for the gutter press. He went on to gain popularity as winner Celebrity Big Brother, and has now returned to acting, joining the cast of Die, Mommie, Die! for its UK premiere in Salford.
It's a fresh outing for the successful show, here produced by Manchester based Vertigo Theatre Productions and directed by Craig Hepworth, who is only too happy to debut it at the Kings Arms.
"It's very exciting to get to bring the premiere to Salford" he says "We have started many of our shows at the wonderful Kings Arms, so it was only right that we start this production there. The folks of Salford have come out to support us many times and we could not be more thankful to them."
The show transports us back to 1960s Hollywood to meet fallen star Angela Arden, and her dysfunctional family. Angela is trapped in a hateful marriage to film producer Sol Sussman. Bored with her life, Angela finds a toyboy... the Hollywood wannabe Tony Parker (Alex Reid)...
"We were considering a few different people to bring in for the role of Tony Parker and I had heard that Alex had gone back to his acting roots" Craig explains "I had seen some things Alex had done acting wise and could just see Tony Parker when I looked at him. So we reached out to him, and he came in to audition like everybody else and got the role. I think people are going to see a really fun side to Alex in this play, he's great, and very excited to be a part of Die, Mommie Die!"
Needing Sol out of the way, Angela comes up with a sinister plan. Unfortunately for her, her family won't make things easy. She has her work cut out, but this is a 'gal' that can take on any role…even it is murderous!
Craig finds it difficult to pinpoint a single favourite moment in the play... "Oh, this changes on a weekly basis. Charles Busch's script is crafted so beautifully in how it plays as a melodrama with these fantastic comedy punches at the end. At the moment it's a scene between Angela - Dale Vicker in a star making turn - and her slightly strange son Lance - Benjamin Grey who is fantastic. The chemistry between the two is so good and they deliver the comedy perfectly. We also have a fun scene involving a suppository that I won't spoil."
Die, Mommie, Die! is a loving parody of the 'Hag Horror' movies of the Sixties. These classics allowed legendary actresses like Bette Davis, Joan Crawford and Lana Turner to showcase their devilish ability. It is an affectionate homage to the cinema's golden age. Elements of Whatever Happened to Baby Jane and Dead Ringer are evident in this macabre, must see romp.
The show will open at The Kings Arms before making its way to London. Catch it in a great intimate, local venue while you can!
Die, Mommie, Die!
Tuesday 16th-Sunday 21st April
The Kings Arms
£15 – to book – click here
Words by Ian Leslie
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