Internationally acclaimed Northern actor Sir Tom Courtenay and star of the cult classic 1959 film Billy Liar will be at the West Yorkshire Playhouse to talk about Billy Fisher, a role which launched his career as an actor and for which he is fondly remembered. In conversation with Guardian journalist and novelist Laura Barton, Tom talks about the experience of playing a Leeds literary hero, living and growing up in Yorkshire and his career as one of Britain’s most successful actors. The In Conversation event takes place on Friday 10 September from 5pm and is in conjunction with the Playhouse’s 50th anniversary production of Keith Waterhouse and Willis Hall’s BILLY LIAR.
Laura Barton grew up in Wigan, Lancashire, but unlike Billy Fisher has successfully made the move to London. She has been a features writer for the Guardian since 2000. Her writing has also appeared in publications including Q, The Word, Intelligent Life and on Radio 4. Her first novel Twenty One Locks the story of a young, small-town perfume girl struggling to choose between a life that had always seemed mapped out, or the chance to escape, was published last month.
In Conversation is at The West Yorkshire Playhouse, Friday 10 September, 5pm. Tickets £10 with £5 off if you already have or are purchasing a ticket for Billy Liar. Box office 0113 2137700.
