BAGGAGE World Premiere Closes at The Arts Theatre Today, October 6

Charlie De'ath (James), Richard Mylan (Adam), Suzanne Shaw (Geraldine), Nicola Stapleton (Sandy) and Dan Wilder (parts as cast) star in the world premiere of Baggage, written by John Muirhead and Mike Charlesworth. Directed by Audrey Cooke, Baggage will close at the Arts Theatre today, 6 October. Baggage set design by Adam Wiltshire and lighting by Matthew Newbury.

BAGGAGE is the story of two latter-day likely lads, reunited through tragedy hoping to repair their damaged relationship before it's too late. Flashback to PrimRose Hill and Lima airport 2007 and enjoy their Internet dating rollercoaster.

What became of those people we used to be? Can true love and friendship prevail? Internet Dating. Add to Basket thencheckout, or jump back on-line and carry on shopping? After all, you're only ever two clicks from blissful happiness.

Charlie De'ath'sstage credits include The Deafening Silence at The Liverpool Playhouse and The Cage at Edinburgh Festival. His television credits include Casualty, The Bill, The Last Detective (series regular), Down to Earth, Trust, Lucy Sullivan is Getting Married, Emmerdale (series regular) and Touch of Frost (series regular). Charlie's film roles include The List, The Glass House, In His Life and Fatherland.

Richard Mylan's stage credits include Crazy Gary's Mobile Disco for Paines Plough and Badfinger at the Donmar Warehouse. He is best known for screen roles including Oliver in hit series Coupling, Chris in Grown Ups, Danny Flint in Where The Heart Is, Joe in Belonging, Ben Philips in Bad Girls and Dr Simon Hills in Doctors. Richard's film work includes City Rats, Upside of Anger, Snarl Up and Speak Like A Child.

Suzanne Shaw's career was launched when she became part of the band Hear'Say in ITV's Popstars competition. Their debut single was the fastest selling non-charitable record ever in the UK, selling 1.3 million copies. Suzanne's subsequent stage credits include Chicago at the Garrick Theatre, Funny Peculiar and Summer Holiday on National Tour, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat at the Adelphi Theatre and The Rocky Horror Show at the Comedy Theatre/National Tour. In 2008, Suzanne won Dancing On Ice with her partner Matt Evers and the next year toured in the arena production of Dancing On Ice. During 2010/2011, Suzanne played the role of series regular Eve in Emmerdale. She is regularly a contributor to ITV1's Daybreak.

Nicola Stapleton's previous theatre credits include Cockroach Who, Corner Boys, Essex Girls and Four Star Hotel all for The Royal Court Theatre, Of Mice And Men on National Tour and Scissor Happy at the Duchess Theatre. Nicola is best recognized for TV roles including Mandy in EastEnders, Danielle in Emmerdale, Janine Nebeski in Bad Girls, and Jo in A Young Persons Guide To Being A Rockstar. Nicola's film credits include Hans Solo, Chunky Monkey, Strong Boys, The Killing Zone and Urban Ghost Story.

Dan Wilder's previous theatre credits include Romeo & Juliet, The Taming of the Shrew and Hamlet on World Tours, The Lad Aladdin, Hobson's Choice, Sleeping Beauty and Single Spies all for York Theatre Royal and La Fanciulla Del West and Orphee for the Royal Opera House. Dan's TV credits include The Dam Busters, The Bomb Plot and The History of Interrogation all for Tiger Aspect.

Baggage is a story conceived by two old college friends, about two old college friends who are re-united and struggle with the online dating world. The original idea for Baggage was born in a pub. That pub, The Lansdowne remains a central part of the play as does PrimroseHill and many other facets of Mike and John's life ten years ago. The content draws to some extent on personal experience, but is largely the result of considerable research with people who have used dating sites and offered upstories, many of which are unprintable and implausible! It has long been their idea of that online dating is so much part of our lives today and so dramatic that a play, book and film are all well overdue.

More Articles by This Author...