Blyton: 'Corrie play is a challenge'

Katherine Dow Blyton has revealed that starring in the Coronation Street anniversary play Corrie! is a challenge.

The stage production, which has been written by the soap's long-term scriptwriter Jonathan Harvey, condenses the last 50 years of the show into a two-hour play and sees five actors playing the most memorable characters of all time.

Speaking to The Northern Echo, she said: "We’re not doing impressions of these famous characters. But you do have to be willing to be adventurous to be 11 different characters. [Deirdre Barlow] is difficult because she has quite a distinct voice.

"It’s been quite a challenge for us because you’re talking about people’s careers. William Roache, for example, has been in it for 50 years. You have to do it with heart and respect because you don’t want to take the mickey out of someone’s performance. You want to make these characters come alive.

"They made us a DVD of all the scenes that are in the play, which has been quite useful. None of us are impressionists but you want to do a true likeness. Mavis is a dream, so is Audrey, because they have characteristics that stand out. With Mavis, I just hope I’m not doing Les Dennis doing Mavis."

Blyton has previously starred in Hollyoaks, playing Sally Hunter for four-and-a-half years.

Corrie! runs at the Lowry Theatre in Salford from August 12 to 25.