Street stars saddle up for the theatre version of War Horse
THEY’VE been going through a most turbulent time on the Coronation Street cobbles – but favourites from the ITV1 soap were all smiles as they enjoyed a night out at the theatre. Nicola Thorp arrived on the red carpet at the press night for War Horse with her co-star Charlie de Melo who plays Imran Habeeb in Corrie.
And the pair looked a world away from all the drama on the famous street as they smiled for the cameras at The Lowry theatre, a short walk from the Weatherfield set at Trafford Wharf.
Nicola’s character Nicola Rubinstein has left Corrie for a new life in Bristol after being shot by her own father Pat Phelan, who attempted to take her son Zack before holding bride Michelle Connor hostage in harrowing scenes.
And Charlie’s solicitor character is helping trainee manager Alya Nazir to fight for the Underworld factory which was left to her in tragic boss Aidan Connor’s will after he took his own life last month.
Tweeting about her goodbye to Weatherfield, Nicola said: “Thanks to the cast and crew and everyone at Coronation Street for making the cobbles feel like home this past year. I’m lucky to call you my friends.
“Thanks to the audience and fans for all the love and support. From this Nicola (and the other one) see you later, Weatherfield.”
Also walking the red carpet at the War Horse premiere were Faye Brookes, who plays Corrie’s Kate Connor, and her singer boyfriend Gareth Gates.
Flixton actress Faye looked summery in a blush pink top and co-ordinating bag with wide-legged black trousers, her dark tresses worn in beachy waves, and Pop Idol star Gareth posed in striking check pattern trousers teamed with a black T-shirt for their date night.
Also turning out for the acclaimed production of War Horse were Richard Hawley, who has won high praise for his portrayal as Aidan’s grieving father Johnny Connor.
Johnny delivered a moving eulogy at his son’s funeral before falling into the arms of sympathetic Liz McDonald.
Georgia Taylor, whose character Toyah Battersby is going through heartache as the truth is about to emerge that baby Susie is Eva Price’s child and not the baby she and Peter Barlow had with a surrogate, was also looking forward to the show along with her co-stars Dolly-Rose Campbell, who plays Gemma Winter and Victoria Ekanoye, who plays Angie Appleton.
The National Theatre’s production of War Horse, the heart-warming tale of Albert Narracott, his beloved horse Joey and their extraordinary journey through the First World War, runs at the Lowry until Saturday, June 30.
The show made its regional premiere at the Salford venue in 2013 and, when combined with subsequent runs, it will have been seen by over 220,000 people in The Lowry’s Lyric Theatre.
Amongst the 34-strong cast are Bolton-born Adam Barlow and Manchester University graduate Samuel Parker.