Street of Dreams - a major live musical event in celebration of Coronation Street - will debut in Manchester next March for a spectacular world premiere starring faces from the street, past and present, alongside host 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 into this brilliant musical event by award-winning musical writer, composer and lyricist, Trisha Ward.
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.
Julie Goodyear will be making a highly anticipated return to play the one and only Bet Lynch, complete with her trademark beehive, big earrings and penchant for leopard-skin. Corrie favourite Kevin Kennedy, a singing star who has made a critically lauded name for himself on the West End stage since his departure from the cobbles, will return to his role as loveable intellectual stargazer Curly Watts and the effortlessly brilliant Brian Capron will resurrect renowned serial killer Richard Hillman from the dead.
Stars from the current cast, including William Roache (Ken Barlow) and Katy Cavanagh (Julie Carp), will appear alongside their former neighbours as they take a trip down memory lane, encapsulating unforgettable Weatherfield moments through 90 minutes of spectacular song and dance routines, supported by a West End cast.
The show is based upon the critically acclaimed album Coronation Street - Rogues, Angels Heroes & Fools which was released last Christmas for Coronation Street's 50th Anniversary featuring the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and crafted by Street of Dreams writer Trisha Ward.
Songs included in the show are Tony Warren's iconic Opening Episode featuring Ena Sharples, Elsie Tanner & Annie Walker, Woman Stanley Woman - Hilda & Stan's posh second honeymoon at the Savoy Hotel, He's My Man - a catfight on the cobbles between love rivals Elsie Tanner & Bet Lynch, Norman Bates With A Briefcase - featuring serial killer Richard Hillman. Cunning Clever Crafty - Jack & Vera's "blind date" with Jack as the suave 'Vince Fontaine' and spectacular Moulin Rouge homage and Sweet Butterfly featuring love-lorn knicker factory worker Sean Tully.
BAFTA winning film and stage director John Stephenson (5 Children & IT and Animal Farm), will direct the live musical tribute, which is to be staged on an ambitious scale with a spectacular set and special visual effects.
A 25 piece orchestra, a West End cast and choreography from Olivier award winning Stephen Mear will complete the dazzling production which has been co-scripted by Damon Rochefort (Coronation Street and Birds of a Feather).
The show will be executive produced by Kieran Roberts for ITV Studios and John Ward for Reckless Entertainment.
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."
