Coronation Street icon Jonathan Harvey is set to celebrate the Eurovision Song Contest in a brand new theatre show – with a cheeky twist.
The playwright, who has worked on Coronation Street since 2004 and has penned a number of sitcoms including Gimme Gimme Gimme, is bringing his new show – A Thong For Europe – to Liverpool's Royal Court this May.
The show centers around owner lingerie company owner Lulu, a Eurovision superfan who is dreaming of attending the Song Contest final, after Liverpool was announced as the host city for the competition.
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With a little help from a musical superstar called Beryl, her late mother Steph, son Terry and a choreographer who would rather be elsewhere, Lulu is going to do everything she can to be at the grand final – but can she defeat the odds and make it the arena?
Speaking ahead of production's launch, Jonathan said: "It’s long been an ambition of mine to get a play on at the Royal Court as whenever I go I have an absolute scream – and get my tea into the bargain.
"As a massive Eurovision fan I think we’re all ready for larger than life comedy that celebrates our city and the contest. Let’s hope we score a resounding douze points!"
Directed by Stephen Fletcher, an all-star cast will bring Jonathan's story to life, including Brookside's Eithne Browne as Lulu's late mother Steph, alongside Emma Bispham as Beryl and Lindzi Germain as Lulu.
They will be joined by Kathy Bancroft, Andro Cowperthwaite, Gemma Dobson, Adam Scotland and Keddy Sutton.
The stellar production will also feature iconic Eurovision hits that are sure to have audiences up on their feet singing and dancing throughout the night.
Rehearsals are already underway for the show as it prepares to open on April 21, 2023, with the theatre's official Twitter page sharing snaps from behind the scenes.
They captioned the post: "It's happening! A Thong for Europe.
"We've started the new week with a meet and greet with all the cast and company of A Thong For Europe. Followed by a brilliant read through!"
With anticipation for the show building, Liverpool’s Royal Court Executive Producer Kevin Fearon said: "I am delighted that Jonathan has agreed to write this new show. We have all been big fans of his for a long time and I’m looking forward to working with him.
"Liverpool was made for events like Eurovision and I know that the city will be absolutely buzzing with great events next year.
"We had a think what we could do to join the party and a big, new comedy packed with music seemed to be the perfect fit."
Kevin also announced that a portion of the proceeds from ticket sales for the show will also go to support the Red Cross Ukraine Appeal.
Ukraine's act Kalush Orchestra won the 2022 contest with their track Stefania, with hosting duties usually passed down to the winning country.
However, with the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, it was decided that the UK would host instead, after Spaceman singer Sam Ryder placed second.
The grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest will take place at the M&S Bank Arena on May 13, after Liverpool was announced as the host city.
"We know that the only reason that Liverpool is hosting this year is because of the terrible situation in Ukraine," said Kevin Fearon.
"We will be donating £1 from every ticket sold to the Red Cross Ukraine Appeal so this show can help those who need it most."
A Thong For Europe will be at Liverpool's Royal Court between April 21 to May 27 2023 and tickets are on sale now
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