It’s quite bizarre, how much we know about soap characters. I know when Rosie Webster’s birthday is yet I can’t remember most of my niece’s and nephew’s, I knew when Leanne Battersby’s wedding was approaching, yet I’m Maid of Honour for my friend this year and I have no idea what the exact date is!
So when I was told Corrie! The play was coming to the Liverpool Empire I didn’t know what to think. Can they really take a soap opera from screen to stage successfully? Well it turns out they can.
Written by Jonathan Harvey and produced by ITV and Phil McIntire Entertainment, this is a show for Corrie fans out there. It’s not taken too seriously, the odd tear jerking moments are shown but in the main it’s pure comedy.
The show is Narrated by Ken Morely, who played Reg Holdsworth on the famous cobbles, although he may be more well remembered for his BOGOF offers for double glazed window adverts.
The company of six do a fantastic job of portraying no less than 54 of our favourite Corrie Characters from Hilda Ogden to Becky Granger. In a utshell it’s a look at some of the favourite story lines on the street, Ken and Deirdre’s affairs and rocky marriage, Gail Platt’s many, many disastrous relationships, Todd’s coming out as gay, Peter Barlow’s bigamy and many more all culminating in the infamous tram crash.
There are moments of comedy genius on the stage, such as the story of Tony Gordon through the narrative of dance, or Gail Platt’s ever nodding head. Ken Barlow was my favourite character, with a very over-exaggerated campness that fit the bill perfectly; Simon Chadwick who played him had the mannerisms perfect.
The cast were on time with every scene, which is nothing short of amazing considering such a small company and so many costume changes. One disappointment was the sound at some points, particularly from narrator Ken Morley, seemed like his mic needed a good wipe, as he sounded almost muffled.
The whole team have done a brilliant job though, with a show full of laughs, some whimpers but it’s always fast paced and keeps the audience looking forward to what’s coming next.
Seen Score – 8 / 10 – Something for everyone, as long as you know your Corrie!
Performance Details:
Corrie!
Liverpool Empire Theatre 21-26 February
Mon-Sat eves 7.30pm, Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm
Tickets £12.50 - £28
Tickets available from Empire Theatre box office, via telephone on 0844 847 2525 or online at http://www.liverpoolempire.org.uk