ITV reveal the Coronation Street musical Street of Dreams
Reckless Entertainment, in association with ITV Studios, today announced Street of Dreams, a major live musical event in celebration of Coronation Street which will debut in Manchester for a spectacular world premiere next March starring faces from the street – past and present, hosted by Paul O’Grady.
“After more than fifty years on air, Britain’s best-loved soap has a glorious heritage of unforgettable stories and iconic characters which have been handpicked and now carefully crafted in to this brilliant musical event by award-winning musical writer, composer and lyricist, Trisha Ward.” ITV say.
BAFTA winning film and stage Director, John Stephenson OBE will direct the live musical tribute at Manchester’s M.E.N Arena. A 25-piece orchestra, a West End cast and choreography from Olivier award winning Stephen Mear will complete the dazzling production based on the common cobbled back street in the fictional Salford suburb of Weatherfield.
Executive Producer, Kieran Roberts of ITV Studios said: “I’m thrilled to be involved with Street of Dreams. Trisha Ward’s wonderful music and lyrics are a very fitting celebration of Coronation Street’s history, its great storylines and its unforgettable characters. Paul O’ Grady is one of Britain’s most prolific, talented and best-loved entertainers and he’s a genuine, life-long Corrie fan so I’m equally delighted he will guide the audience through this entertaining and spectacular musical celebration of Britain’s best-loved drama.”
Paul O’Grady will feature as the star host, guiding us through momentous events in Corrie’s history in his own inimitable style. He will bump into well-loved characters, old and new, with guest stars paying homage to famous roles, as he leads the show to a dramatic finale.
Composer, Trisha Ward said: “It has been an absolute pleasure to work with Kieran Roberts on this amazing project which has been in development for over 3 years. It’s a musical homage to an incredible programme, which has been both a joy and exciting challenge to compose. Coronation Street lends itself so well to musicalisation because it has all the ingredients a great musical requires; humour, pathos but most importantly of all – heart. I’m so incredibly proud and excited to be bringing this production to Corrie’s home city of Manchester for the world premiere.”
Julie Goodyear MBE will be returning as the one and only Bet Lynch, complete with her trademark beehive, big earrings and penchant for leopard-skin. Other old face in the form of Kevin Kennedy will return to his role as loveable intellectual stargazer, Curly Watts and the panto villain Brian Capron will resurrect renowned, or is that ridiculous, serial killer, Richard Hillman from the dead.
Stars from the current cast including mainstay William Roache MBE who has played lothario Ken Barlow for five decades is just one of many who will appear alongside their former neighbours as they take a trip down memory lane, encapsulating many memorable Weatherfield moments through 90 minutes of song and dance routines.
Paul O’Grady said: “I’m a great fan of the street!! I’ve watched it for most of my life! Chunks of script from 30 years ago are engraved in my memory so to relive it all alongside unforgettable characters and talent on the stage, revisiting such iconic scenes from across the years, is just brilliant. I can’t wait to watch it all come together and the reaction it receives.”
The show is based up on the music album: Coronation Street – Rogues, Angels Heroes & Fools which was released last Christmas for Coronation Street’s 50th Anniversary featuring the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Coronation Street is produced at the ITV Granada studios in Manchester, but of course is supposed to be based in the adjoining City, Salford, within the storylines.
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