Review: stepping on to the ‘Coronation Street’ cobbles

Clitheroe Advertiser and Times’ reporter Faiza Afzaal was lucky enough to get a sneak peak at what visitors can expect:

“I have always been a life-long Corrie fan and must admit I’ve been glued to the TV during some of the major storylines that have been played in the past. So, when I found out about the special behind-the-scenes tour of the ‘Coronation Street’ set, there was no way I was missing that.

“After 53 years, ‘Coronation Street’ filmed its finals scenes at the Quay Street Studios on December 20th, 2013. It has now moved to its new home at MediaCityUK - leaving behind the street and all its history.

“The tour kicks off in the green room, an area where crew members were not allowed to enter as it was exclusively set aside for the show’s cast to relax in, socialise and learn their lines between scenes.

“Before you walk into the iconic ‘Stage One’ studio, you visit the ‘Corridor of Stars’ where legendary cast members had their dressing rooms. You then step into the wardrobe and make-up department where some of the most iconic costumes are kept.

“For the next part of the tour, I spent a considerable amount of time in Stage One where all the show’s interior scenes would have been filmed. You can see Carla’s former flat, the Platts’ home and the lounge belonging to what used to be Jack and Vera’s home. A highlight of the tour is the chance to go inside the Rovers Return and have your picture taken behind the bar - it certainly seems smaller than it appears on screen.

“I was taken aback to see Coronation Street’s most notorious serial killer, Richard Hillman, back inside Gail’s home. Actor Brian Capron had returned to Granada Studios to kick-start the tours.

“As I walked around the studio, I had plenty of opportunities to reminisce about the history of ‘Coronation Street’ as iconic artefacts are positioned. Some of these include Ena Sharpes’ hair net, Hilda Ogden’s curlers, Deirdre’s glasses, Liz’s black necklace and Roy’s train set to name just a few.

“There is also an opportunity to view the production suites where the director co-ordinates the action and the tour guides are extremely helpful and knowledgeable should you have any questions.

“Towards the end of the tour, the moment arrived that I had been eagerly waiting for. I was given the opportunity to walk along the hallowed cobbles of the famous street. Once I stepped onto the cobbles, I was like a kid in a candy store going from Rita’s Kabin to Dev’s corner shop to Audrey’s hair salon! I also posed for pictures in front of the Rovers Return, Roy’s Rolls and on Maxine’s memorial bench. It was an amazing experience and well worth seeing.

“The tours started on Saturday, allowing hundreds of excited fans to flock to Quay Street studios to get a look behind the scenes of the nation’s favourite soap. The 45-minute guided tours provide a fascinating insight into one of Manchester’s most famous exports, as well as a rare and intriguing look inside the production of a TV show of this scale, with plenty of quirky facts along the way.”

The tours are on for a limited time only (until October 4th). For more information about the tour and for tickets, log onto www.ticketmaster.co.uk/coronationstreet.