Meet the talented performer who is bringing magic to The Lowry’s stage

Georgie Samuels is about to step onto The Lowry stage in a family production set to warm hearts this Summer, whatever the weather.

Originally from Manchester and after being a singer in a vocal ensemble for over 15 years, Georgie decided to return to university as a mature student, following in the footsteps of the Willy Russell heroine Rita in Educating Rita.

Georgie graduated with a BA (Hons) in Acting in 2023 from Leeds Conservatoire.

She now makes her professional stage debut in Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book which opens later this month.

We caught up with Georgie to find out more.

What do you love about Manchester?

I love the whole creative vibe of the city, and the friendly people – it’s my roots, my heritage – I even love the dust! It’s been a dream of mine to work to here as an actor – and now it’s happening!

Adult Education changes lives. How has it changed yours, returning to study as a mature student?

Studying as an older person made me really appreciate the experience, I think I listened more, read more, and engaged more than I would have done as a young adult away from home for the first time.

Acting has always been the only thing I’ve ever wanted to do – but as an 18/19-year-old from a working-class background in the 1990s, drama school wasn’t really an available option for me, so it blew my mind to go in my 40s.

I’m so grateful that Leeds Conservatoire gave me the opportunity. It’s totally changed my life.

What do you like about Julia Donaldson’s writing?

Her writing has a way of really connecting with children and firing their imagination – it’s such a pleasure when they shout out the next bit of the story, it always makes me smile.

I think Axel Scheffler’s illustrations are also instantly recognisable – both he and Julia had to sign off on the words and the visuals of the production.

We’ve created a whole new story based on the book, so it was essential that both Julia and Axel were happy with the final show. The puppets are incredible and look exactly like they do in the book – it’s magical.

The book and play celebrate reading. How was it for you, going back to the books to study?

Because I’m so in love with theatre, it wasn’t really a chore.

I grew up in theatre, I surrounded myself in it, worked in a theatre during the day and did amateur dramatics in the evening, sang in small ensembles… so then being given the right books to read about Acting that then could inform my practice made everything open up for me.

What are your ‘go-to’ favourite books that you could re-read again and again?

Marianne Keyes is my ‘go-to’ author, I always buy her latest book and revisit her if I’m feeling a bit stuck for what to read, or I’m a bit down in the dumps. Her writing is so witty and engaging, I love a book that can make me laugh out loud.

What’s the loveliest thing about about being in a family production?

Definitely the audience reaction – I love it when the kids call out – they’re have been some hilarious comments! I also love it when they dance at the end. I like to think the adults are pleasantly surprised that the show has something for them too, as a mum I’m allowed a bit of a nod and a wink to the parents which I really enjoy.

What do you hope audiences get from the production?

It’s the connection between the children and their parents that’s the best. Seeing the adults really leaning in and engaging with the show and their children is just brilliant.

Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book runs at The Lowry from 23rd July – 4th August and can be booked here

You can find out more about what’s on at The Lowry by clicking here