Can you believe it’s been 20 years since Queer As Folk first hit the small screen in the UK?
The first cast member for the original UK version of QAF has been announced for the 20th-anniversary celebration of the show’s first airing.
Actor Craig Kelly has been announced as the first Queer as Folk cast member joining the glittering line up for the show’s 20th birthday live music extravaganza.
Kelly, who played loyal, loveable supermarket manager Vince Tyler in the hit series, will take centre stage at the 2019 anniversary event, but is staying tight-lipped about exactly what his role entails.
Craig said, “I’m delighted to be part of the Queer as Folk live event, I can’t believe it has been 20 years since Vince strutted down Canal street. I’m looking forward to sharing in the music, magical moments and surprises of what promises to be the ultimate birthday party befitting Vince, Stuart, Nathan and ‘mum’ Hazel, as she was always in on the act!”
Show producer, Rob Ellis, whose critically acclaimed comedy stage play “Fetish Knights,” enjoyed sell-out runs in two consecutive years at The Lowry, Salford said, “Having Craig join us really is the icing on the birthday cake. Vince’s silky, Mancunian drawl narrating the gore and the glory of gay Millenia is as iconic as the music in the soundtrack.
“As far as I’m concerned, Vince Tyler is Queer as Folk and Craig Kelly’s beautiful portrayal made him the bench mark for best friends all over the world. It’s inconceivable to me that we’d celebrate the 20th anniversary of Queer as Folk without Craig Kelly. Now we, and fans alike don’t have to!”
The show celebrates the greatest anthems from Queer as Folk and will see performances from guest artists’ including Strictly Come Dancing & STEPS star Faye Tozer and instrumental support from Manchester Camerata’s 28-piece orchestra.
Queer as Folk, written by Russell T Davies, was set around Manchester’s Gay Village. It received international acclaim at the time and a cult status around its epic soundtrack, which included smash hits such as “I Am What I Am,” “Haven’t You Heard,” “Love Pains” and “Santa Maria” which filled dancefloors around the world.
Carl Darcy, director of CDC Events and co-executive producer added: “We are absolutely thrilled that Craig is going to be part of the show. The character of Vince Tyler was the friend every gay man wanted, and it’s great that Craig has agreed to join us for this very special night.
“It’s going to be a fantastic and unmissable event and what better way to celebrate the 20-year anniversary of Queer as Folk than with the people who starred in it and a live spectacular of the drama’s greatest music anthems.”
Tickets for QUEER AS FOLK 20: STILL DOIN IT LIVE! are currently on sale and the show performance will be on Friday 22nd February 2019, at the Albert Hall, Manchester.
For more information and to purchase your tickets visit www.stilldoinitlive.com
