Alan Halsall and Andy Whyment, who portray pals Tyrone Dobbs and Kirk Sutherland, will be at Harbourfront Theatre on Nov. 22 for what theatre manager Kieran Keller expects to be a sell-out one-night-only event.
It’s the second time this year stars of the world’s longest running television drama will be in the city for a behind-the-scenes intimate and interactive look into the famed show.
Earlier this year, Graeme Hawley and Jennie McAlpine, know to Coronation Street fans as John and Fiz Stape, answered questions, cracked jokes and gave fans insight into the show during the sold-out “Live and in Conversation: Coronation Street.”
“We have a good relationship with the promoter, Andrew Stuckless (of Stroll Promotions), and it went so well,” Keller said of last spring’s event. “Andrew and I were both entering this uncertain, it was an unknown if there was a strong fan base here. We said, OK, let’s test these waters.
“We went in jointly sharing the burden and sharing the risk. We were just both so happy with the way it worked out that, when he had another opportunity, we were at the top of the list.”
He was surprised with the sheer number of Island Coronation Street fans.
“I was ecstatic that the response was so strong. We have about 500 seats in the theatre and about 400 of them sold in the first day,” added Keller. “The VIP seats went first. Then, sales were fairly steady after that until we did eventually sell out.”
A few diehard Corrie fans even camped out in the lobby the day tickets went on sale.
“They were just really excited that this was actually happening. I think a lot of people haven’t heard of this (format) before. Those who were real fans, who heard there were these tours, they were just surprised that Summerside made it on the list,” said Keller. “After the fact, some people were saying they just loved it, it was great and they wanted to come back. When you hear that, of course, that bends your ear and you think maybe it can come back.”
The upcoming late fall Summerside stop is part of the Corrie stars’ cross-country tour. The show is split into two parts — the first a lively hosted interview style segment where the audience will be able to see and hear stories from the cobbles, and the second segment, a chance for fans to question the actors about the show.
Halsall and Whyment have a combined 27 years as current cast members on Coronation Street, Halsall as mechanic Tryone Dobbs and Whyment as the simple yet loveable nicker factory worker.
Tickets go on sale Monday at noon. About 150 VIP tickets, which get fans premium seats and into the meet-and-greet autograph session following the show, are available and cost $65. All other tickets are $40 each and are available in person, by phone or online at www.harbourfronttheatre.com
nmacphee@journalpioneer.com
