Jake Quickenden to lead RITA, SUE AND BOB TOO! nationwide tour in 2027

The acclaimed stage version of cult classic comedy Rita, Sue & Bob Too! is set to embark on a new nationwide tour in 2027, starring Jake Quickenden who returns to the role of Bob, which he previously played on tour in spring last year.

The Regal Entertainments production will visit 11 leading British venues starting with St Helens Theatre Royal on 16 April.

It will then travel to Harrogate, Northampton, Lincoln, Billingham, Birmingham, Bradford, Southport, Malvern and Stockport before ending at the Liverpool Olympia where it ends on 4 July.

Jake said: “I had such a great time when we toured with Rita, Sue & Bob Too! last year - audiences up and down the country were so enthusiastic, and there’s a really warm family atmosphere among the Regal Entertainments team.

“So, when I was asked if I would like to return for a second UK tour, I jumped at the chance. Andrea Dunbar’s writing is brilliant, and the story of Rita, Sue and Bob is very funny but with a darker underside which dramatically really appeals to me. I can’t wait to get back on the road now as Bob.”

Further casting is yet to be announced.

Andrea Dunbar’s hilarious and gritty tale of love, lust and tested friendships is based on the 1987 British film and features a brilliantly funny script along with all the best 80s music, taking audiences on a riotous trip down memory lane through this cult classic. 

Rita and Sue are two working class girls from a run-down council estate who are about to finish their final year at school. In their spare time, they earn money babysitting for married couple Bob and Michelle. 

Behind Michelle’s back, Bob embarks on an affair with both Rita and Sue, who take it in turns with him in his car in the countryside. Michelle eventually finds out and leaves lothario Bob. When Bob later develops a preference for Rita, the two girls fall out but when Sue ends up in an abusive relationship, the trio are reunited.

Director Chantelle Joseph said: “We’ve had a fabulous reaction to news that Rita, Sue and Bob Too! is going back out on the road for a second UK tour. And I’m really delighted that Jake Quickenden has agreed to return in the role of Bob.

“He was a huge hit with audiences up and down the country and really understands the role, so I know this latest outing for Andrea Dunbar’s classic comedy is going to be absolutely brilliant. Roll on 2027!”

Tickets are now on sale at venue websites.