A FORMER Hollyoaks star who is backing a police appeal to solve the mystery over the disappearance of missing mother Nicola Payne is set to star in a play at the Belgrade about missing people.
George Evans, who played a character called Ryan in the popular Channel Four drama, spoke with John and Marilyn Payne to research his role in The Missing.
The play has been created by a group of drama graduates, including George, to help raise awareness of missing people and implements Nicola’s tragic story into the script.
And later this month George, 23, brings The Missing to Coventry for two shows at the Belgrade Theatre on May 23 and 24.
“I’m really pleased we get to bring this story home so to speak because speaking with Nicola’s parents certainly shaped such a big part of the play.” George told the Observer.
“It’s such a sad story but we wanted to show her parents’ resilience and bravery which they continue to show now.
“There are many people out there that simply go missing and although they need to be the main focus, we wanted to understand what they leave behind.
“It’s an unspeakable loss for the families who can’t put a lid on it and move on.”
George was involved with a campaign in December 2012 on the 21st anniversary of Nicola’s disappearance to urge younger people who may have grown up hearing stories or rumours about Nicola to come forward with any information they have.
Since then police have re-arrested three people who are currently on police bail in connection with the case following of new evidence as a result of on-going enquiries.
“I’m pleased to hear that there has been some developments.” George added.
“Speaking with DI Martin Slevin (who is leading the investigation) I can see they have increased their attempts to find out what happened so it paints the police in a good light.”
The play itself highlights the fact one Brit goes missing every two minutes and probes the depths of the under-publicised problem.
It has already been deemed a huge success after winning the Scottish Daily Mail Edinburgh Fringe Drama Award and has performed to sell-out venues across the UK.
Visit www.belgrade.co.uk for more information.
Nicola Payne has been missing since December 1991. (s)
