50 years of Corrie, a trip down memory lane (From Messenger Newspapers)

50 years of Corrie, a trip down memory lane

9:45am Tuesday 17th August 2010 in Theatre Reviews By Julia Taylor

They aren’t the originals, yet those in Corrie at the Lowry are usually, though not always, so like their TV counterparts, you feel you, and the celebrity studded audience, are watching family.

The current ITV Executive Producer, Kieran Roberts, is directing with Phil McIntyre.

Scripted by Jonathan Harvey, writer of 100 episodes, the play captures the essence of Coronation Street and includes, as well as incidents from 50 years ago, the stabbing of Brian Tilsley, the death of villain Alan Bradley under a Blackpool tram, and the drowning of Richard Hillman.

The story lines are retold by Corrie actor Charles Lawson who was Jim McDonald from 1989 – 2000. and came back last year for his son’s wedding.

The surprise opening shows the late Blanche Hunt (Leanne Best) trying to enter the pearly gates.

I particularly like Katherine Dow Blyton’s Hilda Ogden, Josie Walker’s Hayley Cropper and the way the Connor family tale is told through dance.

It is amazing how just five actors can play 55 characters including Bet Lynch, Elsie Tanner, Gail Platt and Ken Barlow (an original who is still there). I can just remember the three who philosophised in the Rovers Return – Ena Sharples, Minnie Cordwell and Martha Longhurst. It’s a treat to see them brought back to life in heaven’s snug by Katherine Dow Blyton, Simon Chadwick and Matthew Wait.

Coming home from this hilarious, tongue in cheek trip down memory lane, you’ll hum Eric Spear’s unforgettable theme tune.

At the Lowry until 28 August. Box Office 0843 208 6005 or www.thelowry.com.

Star rating: * * *