Emmerdale stars out in force to support Samantha Giles in Leeds Grand Theatre's debut of Kay Mellor's final play

Kay Mellor’s final play has come to life presented in touching and humorous fashion at Leeds Grand Theatre.

Legend of the city, and champion of Yorkshire, Kay Mellor died at the age of 71 in 2022. Famous for the boundary pushing Band of Gold, set in Bradford’s red light, and Fat Friends, which has recently found a new audience on Netflix, the stage and screen writer was known as one of the UK’s most prolific.

Arguably, The Syndicate was one of her best-loved creations. It spanned four series on BBC1 between 2012 and 2021. Fittingly, daughter Gaynor Faye has made her theatre directing debut bringing her mum’s Syndicate play to the stage - launching the tour in Leeds. Making it a real family affair Mellor’s grandson Oliver Anthony also features in the cast.

Read more: Pop icons Take That kick-off Leeds residency in unforgettable style

Following a familiar path to the television incarnations The Syndicate play takes a look at the impact money brings to working class colleagues after a big lottery win - a mere £24m to be precise.

Of course, as you’d expect, money doesn’t necessarily bring a happy ever after for all five members of the syndicate - formed of staff at a fictional Meanwood supermarket. Big names in the cast include Coronation Street’s Brooke Vincent and Emmerdale’s Samantha Giles. It was lovely to see many of the latter’s former Emmerdale co-stars in the crowd for Thursday evening’s press night.

Fellow Emmerdale alumni Gaynor Faye plays the lottery adjudicator alongside balancing her directing responsibilities. In a subtle, but heartfelt tribute, her character is called Kay.

The setting is unapologetically northern with little nods the home crowd appreciated. Syndicate lead Denise is played by Giles, who Emmerdale fans might be aghast to know says ‘f**k’ at one point, with the character providing the comedic glue which holds the production together. William Ilkley’s Bob also provides laughs.

There’s a big set-piece, the narrative’s crux, which portrays drama tinged with that trademark Mellor humour. This results in a fine performance by Jerome Ngonadi’s battle-weary suspicious DCI Newall as he tries to uncover what’s amiss with the lottery winners.

Little music interludes, often tinged towards cash and materialism, help progress the plot. It is worth noting, of course, the backstory of each protagonist can’t be explored in the same depth as a six-part TV show.

Despite there being multiple laughs (often coming from seeing soapstars Giles and Vincent break type swearing) the emotional kick inevitably comes, for many of our protagonists. That familiar message of money not always being the route to happiness being present.

As the cast took their bow Emmerdale’s Laura Norton, attending with some of her other castmates, led the standing ovation for Giles and her fellow members of The Syndicate.

There’s no doubt director Faye has done her mother proud. If you were a fan of the TV show then this bonus ball will come as a big win.

The Syndicate will be at Leeds Grand Theatre until Sunday, April 28. You can find out more and buy tickets here.

To find out the latest event news in our city you can visit our Best in Leeds homepage. There you will also find a guide to great things to do in Leeds. Stuck at home and wishing you were there? Download your favourite artists from Amazon and Apple music.

Yorkshire Live has launched Explore Yorkshire, which will look at Yorkshire's unique identity and destinations and celebrate God's Own County for what it is - the best place in the world. Whether you are looking for a day out, a weekend away or to try somewhere new, Explore Yorkshire is here to help. Our brilliant new newsletter will bring all of this content together for you in one place - sign up here to get it direct to your inbox.