Review of Coronation Street 1977 - LIVE! Currently showing as part of Lassfest at the Lass o'Gowrie pub in Manchester. Find out more here. All pictures copyright Elspeth Mary Moore - see more here.
It's time to walk down the most famous cobbles in the world as
Coronation Street returns to the Fringe. This time, we’re in Generation
Game, flares and disco era as we travel to 1977. Annie Walker is all set
to show off her brand new monogrammed carpet, specially acquired by
Eddie Yeats. She’s even holding a party at the Rovers. But is everything
as it seems? Has Eddie gone too far this time?
One of Coronation Street’s great strengths is turning the thoroughly
ordinary into something extraordinary, these episodes certainly prove
that. Nothing seems to embody the spirit and community of Manchester
more so than Coronation Street itself, indeed as Producer Gareth
Kavanagh commented launching LassFest and last night’s preview, this is
“our text and our people”.
An impressively busy opening quickly establishes the Street circa
1977 as the characters mingle on a busy morning. The type of scene that
Corrie has always done more naturally than other soaps, is it perfect to
ease you back into Weatherfield.
The recurring theme is how
funny the script is. This production is not at all a send up, but rather a reflection of how rich the
scripts used to be. There’s a gag or a catty remark around every corner
and a gentle reminder of a time when television drama was character and
not plot driven. Much of this warm humour comes out of the characters
and their relationships. Indeed, nothing much happens in the episode
compared to Corrie now, yet
everything happens, and happens naturally. You feel the genuine sense of a community, something that can feel forced in modern day soaps.
With a cast assembled by casting legend June West, you’d expect
nothing less than an accomplished cast. As is the nature of an ensemble
piece, some get more to do than others, but every single member of the
cast is giving their all and very clearly relishing this unique
opportunity.
Of course, central to these episodes is Annie Walker. Unbearably, yet
hilariously snooty, Christine Barton-Brown completely nails the role
and is a complete delight to watch. Ian Curley’s comedic background
comes into force as the Rovers team leave his Eddie Yeats squirming at
their machinations.
Of the Rovers’ trio, Kimberley Hart-Simpson makes an impressive splash as brassy-mouthed Bet Lynch. Put
together with Fred Gee (Mike Woodhead) and Hilda Ogden (Joan Kempson)
this terrible trio plot the downfall of Mrs. Walker with aplomb. Indeed,
Kempson’s trilling as she goes about her work is eerily reminiscent of
Jean Alexander. John Draycott also returns as Stan Ogden, and spends
much of the episode being chased around by an irate Hilda in true Corrie
style! Kempson and Draycott prove quickly exactly why they were so
popular last year with ease.
Denice Hope’s Betty is uncannily like the shadow of the dearly
departed Betty Driver. With her little mannerisms and tics, she manages
to convey the character through action alone before she’s even uttered a
line! Matt Lanigan’s Alf Roberts cheekily flirts with wife-to-be Renee
Bradshaw (Kathryn Worthington, resplendent in some wonderfully retro
glasses). In their brief scenes, Lanigan and Worthington have wonderful
chemistry together.
Jeni
Howarth Williams’ Elsie Tanner has grown older, if not necessarily
wiser. Usurped by the new girls on the street she is displaced. Whilst
Howarth Williams still maintains the grace and poise of Elsie, she is a
noticeably more fragile character than before in an astonishing
performance. An innocuous enough exchange becomes a stand out scene as
Elsie and Amy Searles’ assured Rita Fairclough lock horns with neither
actress giving an inch to the other. Steely doesn’t come close to
describing this powerful battle.
A triumphant and worthy return for the Coronation Street Live cast,
Corrie 1977 is a perfect successor to Corrie 1968, and essential for
anyone who enjoyed last years performances. For those yet to experience
the wonder of live Corrie, now is the time. Slick
and confidently directed by Colin Connor and David MacCreedy this is an
assured start to 2013 from the team at the Lass O’Gowrie. Amazing to
think that only 30 years ago, something packed with so much depth and
warmth was being transmitted as the norm.
Wonderfully classic Corrie.
Coronation Street 1977 is on at the Lass O’Gowrie from 3 – 7 January. Tickets available through WeGotTickets
here, the Lass O’Gowrie bar or on the door, if not sold out.
The pictures featured are courtesy of Elspeth Mary Moore. You can
have a look at the full set of pictures from last night’s preview
here.
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The hills are alive with the sound of Hilda Ogden on audio tape. Fans of Hilda might want to make the trip over to eBay where this little ditty is up for sale and you can hear words of wisdom direct from Hilda's very own lipsticked gob. Let's just hope she doesn't sing. eBay gum indeed.
Looking for a canvas bag that's both stylish and Street, Coronation Street? Then look no further than this wonderful Hilda Ogden over-the-shoulder bag spotted on Retro To Go.
Blinged-up versions of Hilda Ogden's Coronation Street ducks are up for sale here. There are gold ones, silver ones, pink ones, and good old Hilda-style ones.
The fab Retro to Go blog has brought us various kinds of flying ducks before, similar to those Hilda Ogden once had on her wall. And now you can buy flying ducks that you can paint yourself. Find out more here.
If you need something a bit Corrie to liven up your living room, then you can't go wrong with some retro Hilda's ducks.
There's a fantastic range of Tee and Cake's Coronation Street retro t-shirts for sale in Top Shop.
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