Cast & Creatives | The Wilson Papers

A compact ensemble, traversing decades, corridors of power and domestic rooms alike, brings to life this dynamic story. The cast listed below are the voices and faces guiding us through the shifting scenes, in order of their appearance.

Karl Cooper

Mr Claus / Robin Butler

Karl Cooper graduated first in his class from Birmingham Theatre School, where he was awarded the Victor Heath Memorial Cup for Best Actor. Since then, he has built an impressive and versatile stage career, taking on demanding classical and contemporary roles across theatre and film. Notable performances include Titus in Titus Andronicus (The Old Fire Station Theatre), Randle P. McMurphy in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (Promenade Theatre Company), and Dr Arthur Seward in Dracula (Promenade Theatre Company). He has also appeared as White in The Sunset Limited (Rush Theatre) and J. Edgar Hoover in Marcus (Blackstory Partnership). Karl continues to develop his craft across stage and screen, bringing intelligence, intensity and depth to every role he plays.

Peter Harrington

Mr Pitbaldo / Andrew Turnbull

Peter Harrington is a passionate and energetic Birmingham-based actor who trained at Birmingham Theatre School, completing a Professional Diploma in Acting and gaining APC certification in stage combat. Peter has performed a wide range of roles across theatre and film, including Jonathan Harker in Dracula, Dr Spivey in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, and Saturninus in Titus Andronicus. On screen, his credits include Charlie Cropper in Cartel Hitman, Dominic in I Think I’m Gonna Kill Myself, and Jack in Love Hits Hard. He brings energy, precision, and emotional commitment to every role, with a growing body of work spanning both classical and contemporary performance.

Liz Plumpton

Mrs Wilson / Miss Andrews

Liz Plumpton is a Birmingham-based actor, director and producer who brings over two decades of experience to stage and production. A Drama BA (Hons) graduate from the University of Hull, she is known for her range, presence, and emotional depth across both classical and contemporary theatre. Recent stage work includes Lorna in The Effect, Siobhan in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, and Kate in Sylvia (The Crescent Theatre). Other standout performances include Constance in The Constant Wife, Annie Wilkes in Misery, and Carrie Kipling in My Boy Jack. Liz is also a qualified teacher, and continues to bring her passion for storytelling and collaboration to every production she joins.

Skye Witney

Lady Falkender / Miss Phippard

Skye Witney is a Royal Birmingham Conservatoire postgraduate in Acting who has established herself as a versatile and expressive performer across classical, contemporary, and devised theatre. Her recent stage work includes Lady Bracknell in The Importance of Being Earnest (Sweet Sorrow Theatre Company), Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing, and Rose in Memory Garden and its sequel Back to the Sofa! (Rooftop Theatre Company). She has also appeared as Queen Victoria in She’s Royal (Blackstory Partnership) and Margaret in Wise Women (Calathea Arts). Skye’s range spans from the elegance of Mrs Higgins in Pygmalion to the earthy humour of Toby Belch in Twelfth Night, bringing warmth, wit, and emotional clarity to every role.

Simon Ashton

Mr Coors / Mr Callaghan / Newspaper Vendor

Simon Ashton is a Birmingham-based actor and director, grounded in both classical and contemporary theatre, and drawn to complex, morally ambiguous characters and material that challenges audiences. Recent stage work includes Hogan Wise in Jah Makin’ It Happen (GAP Entertainment), Mack in Debris (The Cheltenham Playhouse), and Abraham Van Helsing in Dracula (The Old Fire Station Theatre). Previous credits include King Lear, Dale Harding in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, and John Syddall in Eyam. A former Assistant Director at Birmingham Theatre School, Simon combines precision, collaboration, and a text-led approach with a physical and truthful performance style. His work often explores authority, vulnerability, and the fine line between darkness and humour.

Matthew Baylis

Lord Armstrong / Mr Cox

Matthew Baylis is a versatile actor, comedian and presenter who has performed extensively across the UK and internationally. His diverse career spans stage, film, television and radio, with recent credits including Basil Fawlty in Fawlty Towers Dining Experience (Comedy Dining) and Richard Bucket in a UK tour of Keeping Up Appearances (Bespoke Entertainment), to Wasted: The Agent (One Way Mirror Films) and a major TV advert for eBay. As a stand-up comedian, Matthew has headlined and hosted shows across the UK, Europe and beyond, as well as appearing as a panellist on radio and TV panel shows. He works regularly in immersive theatre, including Lapland UK and The Killing Game murder mysteries. Matthew brings wit, professionalism and a charismatic stage presence to every performance.

Creative

Produced by Mercia Theatre Company. Written by Alex Viveash. Directed by Simon Ashton.