ITV has announced a live musical tribute to Coronation Street.
Hosted by Paul O’Grady, Street of Dreams will take the audience though a tour of the soap’s most “momentous moments” and will feature past and present cast members including William Roache, Julie Goodyear and Kevin Kennedy.
The show has been written by Trisha Ward and will be directed by John Stephenson OBE (“5 Children & IT” and “Animal Farm”).
It will be staged on an ambitious scale with a spectacular set and special visual effects 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 which has been co-scripted by Damon Rochefort (“Coronation Street” & “Birds of a Feather”).
O’Grady will bump into well-loved characters, old and new, as he guides the audience through the show’s history in his own inimitable style.
As well as series stars, the show will include guest stars paying homage to famous roles.
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.
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.”
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 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.”
“Street of Dreams” will debut at Manchester’s M.E.N Arena on Wednesday 21st March, with the world premiere VIP event on Thursday 22nd March. Tickets go on sale at www.men-arena.com / 0844 847 8000 from 9am on Friday 9th December.