FOR A FAN who’s never been before, the ‘big reveal’ will be exciting: a cobble-lined street so familiar it feels like it’s just round the corner, yet it's a desired destination unattainable for nearly fifteen years.
Corrie is, after all, the world’s longest running soap opera. And the world’s best soap opera.
Actually, it is just round the corner for me, but I’m sure fans will travel from far and wide to see this. I would. It’s already over 50% booked, we’re told, for its planned six month run from 5 April to 4 October.
Many Manchester folk thought they’d never see the set re-opened to public view; it was believed there was no commercial or civic appetite to retain the set. Quiet mothballing, followed by quick demolition was expected.
Public opinion that the iconic set should be retained as a tourist attraction seemed to have no purchase. But the commercial world couldn’t ignore the prospects for profit and have been quietly holding talks for nearly two years.
The Rovers
Expectations for the tour are high, and are largely met. This is a different experience from the Granada Studio tours of the past. It’s Coronation Street, only Coronation Street. No faux Baker Street, no false Downing Street, no House of Commons copy, no rubbish rides included in the hope of return custom.
Just Coronation Street.
The real Coronation Street. The outdoor set used for years. And you even get an inside view. Not of course by walking through the front doors, filming isn’t like that, but by gaining access to the famous Stage One, where Corrie has been filmed for its 53-year life.
The tour starts at the cast entrance, once exclusive to the cast but now open to the paying public, then moves into the Green Room. The coffee making facilities, and collection of tired arm chairs are surprisingly unglamorous, most teachers’ staff rooms are better equipped; it’s the names on the pigeonholes that will make it special, for fans.
Dressing room
Then it’s a trip down the dressing room corridor to view costumes, make-up and indoor sets in Stage One. Carla’s home, with its barely used kitchen facilities, provides a catalogue-glamour contrast to the Platt and Duckworth/Dobbs homes. The Rovers’ Return set is there, as is Hayley’s coffin and Deirdre’s glasses.
The inside tour is guide-accompanied and takes 45 minutes before the ‘reveal’ where you’re let onto the outside set to explore at your own speed, but with guides on hand to answer your questions. There’s tea and bacon rolls on offer, and a gift shop placed in the Medical Centre on Rosemond Street. You can even look down the back alleys, haunted by voices of past encounters.
Experienced operators, Continuum, have drawn on the design consultancy experience of Wilmslow-based Mather and Co and the knowledge of Corrie experts to produce a well-structured tour which will appeal to all fans and satisfy most, and there’s something to interest those with just a general interest in TV and a deal of imagination.
Corrie is, after all, the world’s longest running soap opera. And the world’s best soap opera.
Interior
The standard ticket price is £16.50, down to £15 with concessions and offering further family ticket reductions. The guides have been well trained. They’re engaging, know plenty of Corrie history and backstage stories and seem genuine enthusiasts. They’ll have their work cut out taking round groups of up to 30 visitors at a time, mind.
Up to 250,000 can be accommodated over the six months. The set is also available for private and corporate bookings.
But will the tours continue after the first six months?
Juliana Delaney, chief Executive of Continuum Leading Attractions, wasn’t giving anything away. At present the only agreement is for six months. I guess it will depend on visitor numbers, profitability and what the market research throws up.
But the city will certainly benefit from increased numbers of tourists staying in hotels and spending all their lovely cash in our shops and food and drink venues. As popular opinion said all along, led by Manchester Confidential, this is a no-brainer.
The street
Alley
Postbox
