CORRIE! THE PLAY Announces New Guest Narrators, Tour Begins Feb 10

Corrie! the new comedy play written by acclaimed playwright and long-term Coronation Street scriptwriter Jonathan Harvey, is to embark on a six-month tour of the UK from February 2011 with former Coronation Street stars Gaynor Faye and Ken Morley taking on the role of the narrator.

Gaynor Faye will kick off the tour on 10th February at the Cambridge Arts Theatre before the show goes on to bring its unique brand of humour to over 20 theatres across the UK.

Faye, who played Judy Mallett in the award winning soap from 1995, was a resident at number 9 alongside Ian Mercer and became one of the most popular characters in the show before leaving in 1999. Since leaving the street she has gone on to have major roles in Playing The Field and Fat Friends as well as continuing her work in the theatre and winning ITV Show Dancing on Ice.

Gaynor Faye said: "I'm so excited to be working on Jonathan Harvey's play of Coronation Street. I never thought I would walk on the cobbles again having pegged it in the back yard. It is a real honour to be part of the Coronation Street team again and I can't wait to get stuck in!!"

Faye will also be narrating the stage show at The Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield 7th - 12th March.

Coronation Street legend Ken Morley has also confirmed his role in the show and will take the role of the narrator at Liverpool Empire Theatre, Churchill Theatre Bromley, Theatre Royal Bath, New Alexandra Theatre Birmingham and the New Victoria Theatre Woking.

Morley played ladies man Reg Holdsworth in Coronation Street from 1989 until leaving the show in 1995, recently reprising the role in the feature-length DVD Coronation Street - A Knight's Tale. He was also well known playing General Leopold von Flockenstuffen in the hit TV series ‘Allo Allo'.

Ken Morley said: "As we all know Coronation Street is 50 years old, which is the same age as myself! A vintage year. So join me to celebrate, as this stunning production takes to the road. You will love it. I did, that's why I'm in it."

Corrie! the play, which was written to celebrate the soap's 50th anniversary, condenses five decades of much-loved storylines and characters into one hilarious two-hour show.

The play performed a sell-out run at The Lowry Theatre in Salford, Manchester last year and was a huge success with audiences and critics alike; Coronation Street's creator Tony Warren described the play as "an insider's affectionate romp through 50 dramatic years."

Jonathan Harvey has updated the script to include a unique take on the recent tram crash story that featured in a special week of episodes celebrating Coronation Street's fiftieth anniversary.

The show, directed by Fiona Buffini, features over 55 of everyone's favourite characters, played by just six actors. They include Street legends Bet Lynch, Elsie Tanner, Hilda Ogden, Ken Barlow, Jack Duckworth and Gail Platt. Great storylines relived include Deidre going to prison, Brian being stabbed and Tracy killing Charlie. The script carefully weaves through the highs and lows of the characters living on Britain's most famous Street.

Coronation Street is the first UK soap to be transformed into a play for all fans to now enjoy around the country.