Bury superstar actor shares her passion for the stage and Manchester’s ‘special’ theatre scene

We caught up with Vicky Binns during rehearsals for Brian Friel’s Faith Healer at The Kings Arms to talk about her love for acting, the timelessness of Friel’s writing, and why Manchester’s theatre scene is so special to her.

Written by Glenn Meads
Last updated 30 seconds ago
City of Manchester, Theatre

Vicky Binns is a Bury born actor known for many roles, including Emmerdale and Coronation Street.

It on stage though, where she has played in a huge variety of productions sowing her range.

These include To Kill a Mockingbird, Abigail’s Party, Alfie, Teechers and recently she played a sweary ventriloquist dummy in a very funny black comedy short, as part of JB Shorts at 53two.

She is about to tread the boards in Brian Friel’s Faith Healer at The Kings Arms, a unique space with a pub downstairs. The production is directed by David Thacker.

We caught up with Vicky during rehearsals to find out more.

What attracted you to Faith Healer?

The team behind it. The Kings Arms produce challenging and high-quality theatre, plus Colin Conner and Rupert Hill are fantastic actors and I always jump at the chance to work with David Thacker, the director.

Why do you think Brian Friel’s writing is so timeless?

He writes about what it is to be human with such truth and depth.

What do you like about Manchester’s theatre scene?

For me, it’s the blood, sweat and tears that goes into making it.

What was the last thing you saw on stage that you loved and why?

A new play called Husk written by and starring Rupert Hill at The Hope Mill Theatre. It made me laugh and cry in equal measure and I came out knowing more than when I went in – not hard for me but still!

Can you name three career highlights that sit with you?

Nature Boy – this was a hard-hitting BBC drama, directed by Joe Wright. I did it when I was young and it made me know in my gut that I wanted to be an actor.

Early Doors Live – my dad and I were huge fans of the TV series, so to be in the stage production with the original cast was surreal and thrilling. But the highlight was my dad being able to meet the cast.

Singin’ in the Rain – I had never been involved in a stage musical of that scale before, I mean it literally rained 6,000 litres of water on stage every night, plus I had an amazing wig.

Why would you recommend that people come and see Faith Healer?

The extraordinary and unique writing of Brian Friel, plus the Kings Arms do a great pint!

Faith Healer is at The Kings Arms from 15^th – 19^th January and can be booked here

This article was last updated 30 seconds ago.
It was first published on 7 January 2025 and is subject to be updated from time to time. Please refresh or return to see the latest version.

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