Actress returns home to launch new show at Rosehill Theatre

Yahoo

05-04-2025

AN actress and playwright from West Cumbria is returning to her home to launch a new show about her childhood.
Liz Richardson, 41, grew up in Whitehaven, with her mother working as a midwife at Whitehaven Hospital and her father working at Sellafield. Her new play, 'Local' pays homage to her time growing up there.
She takes the audience through a journey where she reconnects with people from her past and her family now to understand whether she still belongs there - or if she ever did.
'Local' premiers at Rosehill Theatre in Whitehaven, a place where Liz hopes to draw more attention to and support.
Liz said: 'I've brought two previous shows back to Cumbria before but I've never opened my first show here. It's nerve-wracking – especially because my parents will be in the audience.
'I'm trying to represent the theatre. It's a great venue to put on the map and draw in local and young people. I want to show that we can do that and create a buzz.'
The poster for Liz's new show 'Local' (Image: Liz Richardson) She is also hosting a theatre writing workshop at the venue in Whitehaven alongside Amy Hailwood, a theatremaker and director. The informal evening will give people with an interest in creativity to connect and will end with a Q&A session with Liz on making her latest show.
'It's all about celebrating coming back to somewhere – a journey to discover what it was like to grow up in West Cumbria.'
As well as supporting local theatre companies, Liz is keen to encourage more young people into the arts – particularly across West Cumbria – where there was 'very little opportunity' when she was a student.
Liz added: 'West Cumbria is heavily focused on the energy sector – some children might not fit in with that job specification. I want to show them there are other avenues they can explore.
'Arts is a way to express yourself, it shouldn't be viewed as a hobby.'
After leaving acting school, Liz set up her own production company and collaborates with creatives across the north west.
This is the third play Liz has brought to Cumbria with previous performances including 'SWIM' and 'Gutted'.
You can watch Liz perform 'Local' at the Rosehill Theatre in Whitehaven on Thursday, May 15 and at Theatre by the Lake in Keswick on Friday, May 23 and Saturday, May 24.