Why I Love the Corrie – the Street of Dreams
In two weeks – a musical version of the hit ITV1 soap which is currently celebrating over 50
years as a national institution arrives at the Manchester Arena. Many are a bit sniffy about soap
operas and may be thinking why transfer it to the stage as a musical? But as a
lifelong fan of the cobbles, I can think of no better medium as there is
more drama, heartache and comedy to cover than you could fit into any
Opera.
So, in celebration of the musical’s arrival in Manchester, what is about Coronation Street that keeps us watching in our millions – more than fifty years on? Let’s take a look at why I love Corrie.
Strong Females
From
Ena Sharples, Annie Walker, Hilda Ogden, Elsie Tanner, Bet Gilroy,
Blanche Hunt, Carla Connor and Sally Webster – the one thing these women
have in common is their strength of character. Such well written female
roles do not appear on TV everyday. Think of the storylines these
characters have had – from a lorry crashing into the Rovers, being
jilted at the altar, being held at gunpoint in the factory, overcoming
cancer, etc. And that’s the key point really – these women do not suffer
fools gladly, they are survivors and they give talented actresses
unforgettable roles due the excellent writing.
Couples/Double-Acts
Corrie
has always provided viewers with great double acts. If you think about
today – Hayley and Roy, Steve and Becky, Anna and Eddie are just three
perfect examples – as they spar, joke, argue and laugh together. This
gives the audience priceless moments. I particularly enjoy watching the
Croppers and The Windasses as they often remind me of The Ogdens – as
deep down there is true love here. Talking of The Ogdens – remember
them? I can still remember when Stan passed away and Jean Alexander
delivered a terrific performance which makes me teary-eyed just thinking
about it now! But the double act extends itsellf to friends also or
work colleagues.
Look no further than Rita and Mavis – the
brassy nightclub singer and the mouse, Rita (again) and Norris – these
two should not get on but they do and that makes their scenes so much
more enjoyable, even Deidre Barlow and Eileen Grimshaw could be classed
as a double act as these mates are opposites.
The Scripts
I’m
really referring to the humour here but the clever thing about this
show is the writers’ ability to make you laugh one minute and cry the
next. When Blanche Hunt died, I was teary eyed and smiling due to the
classic one liners.
Norris: “Speed bumps? Oh no, they are so ugly and unattractive.”
Blanche: “So are you, but at least they have some use.”
Blanche to Deirdre and Ken: “Good looks are a curse Deirdre. You and Kenneth should count yourselves lucky.”
On Roy: “He looks like he should be crayoning summit.”
Ashley to Graeme: “Have you used knives?”
Graeme to Ashley: “Oh yeah, lots!”
I could go on as there are so many more quoteable lines, tune in next week.
Corrie Villains
The best thing about many of the soap’s villains is that they remain on the Street. Like JR in Dallas, there is no point continually driving them out of town. Keep ’em so they wind up other residents like a manic Big Brother contestant. Two of the best are still in the show. But let’s have a look at the most memorable ones. David Platt
– vile, rude, funny and devious. The writers have kept him in the show
and it has meant that Jack P. Shepherd almost smiles and sneers at the
camera as he pushes his put-upon mother down the stairs. Tracey Barlow
– remember when she went upstairs to do her homework and never came
back down for a few years? When she did come down – she became a
terrific villainess – killing Charlie Slater and is now out again. Tony Gordon – killed Liam and we never forgot it! Richard Hillman
– serial killer in Salford! Alan Bradley – killed by a tram. Pesky
modes of transport these, as there is about to be another bloodbath via
the Met!
Non-traditional families
Eileen takes Sean in, Emily adopts waifs and strays, Gail seems to have an open house, and Claire looked after everyone’s kids. I love this about the street, as it leads to unlikely friendships – eg Becky and Claire – on paper sounded mad. But on screen it just works – magic! Carla and Hayley get on a treat – who knew?
Theme Tune
Some
might find it wistful and old-fashioned. For me – yes – it’s a reminder
of my childhood but it’s also a signal for me that I am about to watch
thirty minutes of pure bliss that runs a gamut of emotions. Now put the
kettle on as I am dying for a brew, then book for – hopefully what will be a superb musical
production!
Enough from me, what are your best moments?
Street of Dreams is narrated by Coronation Street fan Paul O’Grady and also stars Jodie Prenger and Kym Marsh. It also has special guest stars including Russell Watson and runs at the Manchester Arena from 9- 10 May.
