Fantasy World of Billy Liar (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Fantasy World of Billy Liar

10:40am Monday 16th March 2009

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A COMIC 1960s masterpiece is coming to the Theatre Royal Winchester at the end of the month.

A compelling new production of Billy Liar – immortalised by Albert Finney on stage and Tom Courtenay on film – stars Helen Fraser, who played Barbara in the original film, and familiar faces from television, including Dicken Ashworth – Coronation Street, Emmerdale – and Lauren Drummond – Waterloo Road, The Royal.

Billy Fisher is an undertaker’s clerk in a dull Yorkshire town. He escapes his hum-drum existence by daydreaming his way to a mythical fantasy kingdom where Billy becomes ruler, hero and lover.

He continually makes up stories about himself and his family, earning himself the nickname Billy Liar. With his mixture of deceit and good intentions, immaturity and intelligence, Billy’s lying extends to his work and romantic life and minor indiscretions spiral out of control until finally he loses the trust of family and friends.

Will he take a chance to board a train to London and begin a new life?

Starting life as a novel by Keith Waterhouse, Billy Liar was adapted by the author for the stage. It appeals to all ages and to anyone who has ever had misgivings about their place in the world and dreams of something better.

Billy Liar is playing at Theatre Royal Winchester from March 24 to 28, at 7.30pm, with matinees on Wednesday and Saturday at 2.30pm.

Tickets cost £18, concessions £16, or £13 for matinees, £11 concessions, and can be booked at the box office, on 01962 840440, or at theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk.

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