BILLY doesn’t want to follow in his father’s footsteps, he wants a different life full of glamour and adventure a far cry from his parents’ humble existence in Manchester.

Living at home with his mum, dad and grandmother and working a dead end job in an undertakers, it is only through Billy’s fantastic imagination that he can escape the day-to-day drudgery.

According to his grandmother (Sue Wallace) 19-year-old Billy’s not right in the head and his mother (Lisa Millett) just lets him do what he wants.

While his father (Jack Deam) blames Billy’s behaviour on his grammar school education that they had to scrimp and save for just to buy his uniform.

But Billy (Harry McEntire) is only thinking of himself, he says he’s got a job offer to be a scriptwriter for a famous comedian and he’s off to London.

Before he goes however, there’s just a couple of problems to sort out, namely that he’s got himself engaged to two women – Barbara and Rita – there’s only one ring between them and when an old girlfriend comes back into town, Billy realises it’s her he really wants.

Adapted for the stage by Keith Waterhouse and Willis Hall from Waterhouse’s original 1959 novel, this is a classic tale of northern life in the 1960s.

A stellar cast for this production includes Jack Deam who you will immediately recognise from TV’s Shameless and Lisa Millett from The Paradise.

Racy Rita (Katie Moore) makes her debut appearance at the Royal Exchange with a spectacular impact.

This play, directed by Sam Yates, has not lost any of its appeal and you’ll spend the night laughing.

Celebrities spotted in the audience were Kevin and Sally from Coronation Street (not together of course), Kelly from Shameless (Sally Carman) and Waterloo Road teacher Jason Done.

Billy Liar runs until July 12. Call the box office on 0161 833 9833.