Two by the Lake before tour

It follows 14 characters over the course of an evening in their local pub and all are played by just two actors.

It’s similar in tone to Cartwright’s most famous play, The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, made into a film in 1998 starring Jane Horrocks, Ewan McGregor and Michael Caine.

Two continues the trend of last year’s Not About Heroes at the venue – also a spring Studio show featuring two actors. It was a huge success, with the theatre putting on extra performances to meet demand for tickets.

Those who saw Not About Heroes may recognise actor Matt Addis, who will play all the male characters in Two. He appeared as Siegfried Sassoon last year, and returns to Keswick after completing a role in the international tour of War Horse.

He’s joined by Janine Birkett, who last appeared in Keswick in summer 2013 – in Vincent in Brixton, ’Tis Pity She’s a Whore and She Stoops to Conquer. Addis and Birkett last appeared together in The Railway Children in Christmas 2012.

After its initial run in Keswick, the play will tour to small venues around Cumbria from April 16-25.

Tickets £10-£23 www.theatrebythelake.com