We are delighted to introduce our cast for the Christmas shows we’re taking on tour across the UK later this year with our friends from Wrongsemble.

Our brand-new dark comedy, A Proper Merry Christmess, co-written by Seeta Wrightson and Leon Fleming, hits the road with Wrongsemble’s family show A Town Called Christmas in November. Both will feature the same trio of brilliant actors.

Let’s meet them…

Maryam Ali (Rani/Clementine)

Maryam is an actor and theatre maker based in Teesside. She trained at Manchester School of Theatre and spent several years teaching in primary and SEN education before returning to theatre last year. She is currently developing her first full length play which has been commissioned for an R&D with ARC Stockton.

Her theatre credits include: Titus Andronicus (Theatre Space NE), Wolf! (Kitchen Zoo/Northern Stage), Home from Home (Novo Theatre, R&D), Dear Rachel Corrie (Alphabetti response writing programme), The Interview (Live Theatre, rehearsed reading), and Hamlet (HER productions).

Maryam loves theatre that is full of fun and heart, which is why she is looking forward to being part of this festive double bill!

“I can’t wait to get started with the shows. Red Ladder and Wrongsemble are both gorgeous companies who make really playful, exciting work, so I’m buzzing to be spending Christmas with them!”

Roo Arwen (Red/Glitch)

Roo is a Manchester-based actor, singer, and musician, and a recent graduate of The Arden School of Theatre, and these productions mark her professional theatre debut.

Originally from Bradford, Roo cultivated a deep-rooted passion for performance from an early age. She is passionate about work that explores meaningful themes of connection and lived experience, with a particular love for comedy.

In addition to her work as an actor, she is also a professional singer, regularly performing, writing, and producing her own music across the North.

“I cannot put into words how excited I am to begin this new chapter with Red Ladder and Wrongsemble this Christmas. As a recent drama school graduate, it feels especially meaningful and sentimental for me – taking me back to being a young girl, inspired to act by the magic of local Christmas shows. I can’t wait to share these stories and hopefully spark that same joy in others!’

Charles Doherty (Michael/Tim)

Charles was raised in Australia (yes, the accent slips out occasionally) and trained at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts before moving to the UK. He now calls the North his home, working as an actor and singer across stage, screen, opera, and musical theatre.

His career has seen him play singing cats (Cats), gothic dads (The Addams Family), and even the devil himself (Jerry Springer the Opera) – he also picked up a NODA Award as King Arthur (Spamalot).

He’s toured internationally in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, Evita, and Oliver! And on screen, he’s popped up in The Tattooist of Auschwitz, John Carpenter’s Suburban Screams and The Toys That Built America – to name just a few.

Charles loves stories that bring people together and is thrilled to be part of this festive adventure.

“I’m looking forward to reclaiming the energy and fun of grass roots theatre!”

You can book for both shows now!