BAFTA award-winning actress Vicky McClure is set to star in the 40th anniversary production of Second World War drama Touched.
The play, directed by Matt Aston, and written by Nottingham’s Stephen Lowe, will appear at Nottingham Playhouse next February as one of the theatre’s new season productions.
McClure will play the lead role of Sandra, a working-class woman living in Nottingham during the 100 days between VE and VJ Day.
She said: “The best way to describe Sandra is as a down to earth, working-class girl from Nottingham who has got a few traumas in her life.
“She’s not a hard character, and not exactly the same as those I’ve played in the past – but she’s a beautiful character to play.”
Pretty big news…stepping back onto the stage after 12 years in my glorious home city of Nottingham! #Touched 🎭 pic.twitter.com/M9CE7ycyXO
— Vicky McClure (@Vicky_McClure) June 13, 2016
The actress, who famously appeared in BBC TV series Line of Duty and the This Is England series, previously starred in a modern adaption of Macbeth as part of Shakespeare Lives 2016 last month.
She said: “Moving from TV to theatre has all happened quite organically.
“I did theatre at the Television Workshop in Nottingham from the age of 11 until I was 21, so the change was something I welcomed and love doing.
“I’ve always said if I did go back, I’d want to start in Nottingham at the Playhouse, so this ticks every box for me.”
The 33-year-old actress, who was born in Wollaton, is proud of her roots and became the 38th public figure to have a tram named after her in December.
She said: “It’s really heart-warming to read something that’s based in Nottingham.
“I enjoy where I live and I enjoy what people are encouraging other people to do.
“The arts is important for the next generation as much as it is for the older generation, and everyone gets something out of it.”
Touched will take place from Friday, February 17 to Saturday, March 4, with tickets ranging from £8 – £32.