Bottoms Up at the Actors Studio

While The Full Monty runs at the Royal Court next week, another city theatre will be also be letting things all hang out so to speak, with the premiere of new comedy drama Bottoms Up. The play by, written and directed by Ryan Simons starts at the Actors Studio on May 14. John (also played by Ryan) is thirty five, drowning in debt and at war with his frustrated wife, Janine. When she invites her male friend from art class round for dinner, John knows it's going to be a long night. But with the surprise arrival of a pretty young model and far too much to drink, who knows what they'll be toasting at the end of the night? Dad-of-three Ryan, 36, says Bottoms Up is a comedy that grew out of his own experience with a new baby and the pressures that come with it. He said: “I took a familiar family situation and added some lively characters as guests and then let the sparks fly. The result is a play packed full of laughs, lust and half-naked actors inspired by the work of Joe Orton, Alan Ayckbourn and John Godber.” Ryan trained at Bretton Hall drama school, went on to work in theatre and on television (including EastEnders) and moved into writing with a Christmas show for Huddersfield's Lawrence Batley Theatre, Merlin And The Enchanted Mirror. “I wanted to write more but I could never find the time after my first daughter was born," he says. "I now have three daughters under the age of eight, and have realised that I'll never have time from this point onwards - however, after clearing a corner of the garage and setting up a decorators table as my writing desk, I managed to write Bottoms Up.” With luck the Liverpool run will be only beginning for the show, which is expected to tour. “I'm chuffed Bottoms Up is opening at the Actors Studio, which I feel has a real sense of purpose about it and knows how to look after its audience. We've really enjoyed the rehearsals and we look forward to sharing a great night of entertainment with all who come to see it.” Bottoms Up is the first, but not the last collaboration between Ryan Simons and the Actors Studio. As well as the play, English Rice Productions – the team who run the theatre – have filmed a sitcom pilot with Ryan's company Quickfoot Media that will be available on YouTube at the end of May, and has received good feedback from the BBC. Bottoms Up runs at the Actors Studio on Seel Street from May 14 to 18. Book tickets here, including preview tickets for the first night for £5.