Fans of TV series’ Shameless and Phoenix Nights are in for a sweet treat this month as the New Vic bring together a stellar combination of badly behaved broads for iconic northern play, A Taste of Honey.

Janice Connelly, best known for her role as Holy Mary in hit series Phoenix Nights is swapping religion for spirits as loose-woman-who-likes-a-drink, Helen in Shelagh Delaney’s bittersweet play. Whilst Shameless wild child Maxine, AKA actress Joanne Higson, takes a break from filming to star in the North Staffordshire production as suffering daughter Jo.

Janice (left) as Dolly Gartside in Coronation Street and Joanna as
Shameless' Maxine. Image courtesey of ITV picture archive

The dysfunctional mother and daughter pairing will herald a memorable New Vic debut for the TV actors, who have fond associations with the much-loved, BAFTA award-winning film of the kitchen sink classic.

Says Janice: "I am thrilled to be playing the part of Helen. Like so many people I loved the film with Rita Tushingham and Dora Bryan. I have always been a big fan of Dora and was pleased, when I met her in Brighton, that at the age of 80 she could still do the splits!

“Originating as I do from Stockport it is a privilege and a dream come true to be involved in recreating this great northern classic.”

Life changed for Connolly when Peter Kay spotted her as comedy character Barbara Nice in the final of Manchester’s North West Act of the Year in 1998. Going on to make her name in a number of his shows, including That Peter Kay Thing , Phoenix Nights and Max and Paddy's Road to Nowhere, Janice also starred in Phoenix co-star Dave Spikey's acclaimed Dead Man Weds. The TV actress also had brief stint on the cobbles of Weatherfield during Kay’s famous cameo in Coronation Street as his overbearing mother, Dolly Gartside.

Currently on our screens as feisty nurse Maxine Donnelly in Channel 4 ratings winner Shameless, Joanna Higson is a face to watch.  Attracting the attentions of both Channel 4 and the BBC, she guest-starred in Jimmy McGovern’s multi-award winning drama The Street after graduating from Salford University, and is a regular in northern-flavoured sketch show Scallywagga on BBC Three. Taking time out from her busy TV career for the New Vic production, Joanna will start work on series 7 of Shameless at the end of May.

The New Vic production sees Olivier award-nominated director and ex-New Vic Artistic Director Gwenda Hughes make a welcome return to the theatre, with a cast including Mark Chatterton from BBC BAFTA award-winning series The Cops, Darren Southworth from West End hit Monty Python's Spamalot, New Vic newcomerDuane Hannibal and acclaimed Musical Director, Howard Gray.

Adds Janice, “It promises to be a wonderful theatrical experience to set this brilliant play with its live band in the round. I have always wanted to work with Gwenda Hughes and at the New Vic – it seems like all the planets are lining up for a cracking run!”

Tickets, which cost £8.50 – £17.50, can be booked by calling the New Vic’s Box Office on 01782 717962 or online by visiting our book online page.