Syndicate at Lowry a tale of ordinary folk says Gaynor Faye

Written and produced by “titan of TV” Kay Mellor, her daughter Gaynor Faye was the series script editor.

“I just knew that it was going to be a hit because she captured the brothers, the family, the whole arena of what winning the lottery and such a substantial amount of money brings to people – both the good and the not so good!" said Gaynor.

“My mum writes for people, not accolades.

“The people who watch her shows, those are the people she relates to, the people she champions and admires. She encapsulates them and shows what it is to be a normal every day person.

“At times it’s funny, at times it’s dramatic or moving, but the key thing is that everyone can see themselves in her characters and that’s why people love her work.”

With a cast including stars like Timothy Spall and Joanna Page, The Syndicate was a huge hit when it aired on BBC One and went on to enjoy success with three more series.

The first series has now been adapted for the stage by Kay in what was her final venture into theatre before her untimely death two years ago and comes to The Lowry Salford Quays, next week.

Kay had already asked Gaynor to co-direct the project with her, and now the actress is going it alone in a move that she confesses has been rather daunting.

Gaynor says: “Mum’s shoes are big ones to fill, but I understand what her vision was for this production because I have been by her side from the very beginning. I’m excited for everyone to see it.”

Adding to the family feel of The Syndicate is the news that Gaynor’s son, Oliver Anthony, has joined the cast in the role of Jamie.

He believes having three generations of one family involved in the show brings a unique experience for audiences: “There’s real heart to this show, there’s a lot of love for it, it just feels special.

“Kay had been mentoring me for the last four years, she knew how hard the industry can be and said she saw potential in me.

“She took me under her wing and really helped me learn the business both in front of the camera and behind.

“To now be involved with the stage show, and Gaynor, my mum directing it too, it just feels special.

“I have so many wonderful memories of my grandmother, every day beside her was a dream.”

As well as directing the production, Gaynor is set to join the stars on stage, playing the role of the lottery representative, who, in honour of her mum, she has called, ‘Kay’.

The Syndicate tells the story of five supermarket workers whose lottery syndicate numbers come in just as their jobs and livelihoods are under threat.

Will a share of the jackpot make their dreams come true or their nightmares a reality?

For actresses Samantha Giles and Brooke Vincent, the chance to work on a Kay Mellor production was too good an opportunity to miss.

Brooke, who became a household name playing Sophie Webster in the ITV soap Coronation Street from 2004 to 2019, says landing the role of Amy was a real thrill.

She said: “I’ve kind of taken a step back to have my two boys so this is my return to acting and I’m so excited.

“I love Kay’s work, it’s so real and there’s such a sense of warm northern humour that I just adore.”

Meanwhile Samantha was looking for a new challenge after recently leaving her hugely successful role as Bernice Blackstock in Emmerdale, where she entertained fans on and off over the last 26 years.

Talking about her role as kind-hearted worker Denise, the 52-year-old says: “A lot of people are only used to seeing me as Bernice, who is this glamorous person and Denise is the polar opposite!

“She’s a bit on the frumpy side, life hasn’t been so good to her, she’s just totally different to Bernice which is so lovely to play.

“I think Kay’s writing is so good, she’s able to create real stories and wonderful characters that people can relate to and reflect how ordinary people live.”

Samantha and Brooke are veterans of drama having navigated the fast pace of soap-land for years, so taking to the stage in front of a live audience should be a walk in the park.

Mum-of-two Brooke, 31 laughs: “No, of course I’ll be nervous!

“But the way I deal with it is just to think there’s no point worrying now, I need to just wait until I’m on stage and then be nervous and face the fear anyway!

“It’s that sense that you’re in a team, you all have a part to play to bring the show to life and you just need to feed off that.”

Samantha agrees: “It’s been 14 years since I’ve done a play so I am feeling nervous but I think if you weren’t nervous you might not care.

“Nerves are good and I think the more we do it, the more confident we get. I just think you can’t beat live theatre.

“Just to hear the reaction from the audience and have that shared experience, there’s nothing like it.

“And there’s a bond between everyone on the stage, everyone needs to do their part and we look after each other. That’s what I love about a play like this.”

The Syndicate, The Lowry, Salford Quays, Friday, May 17 to Sunday, May 19. Details from www.thelowry.com