SUMMER VISITS - CORONATION STREET : THE TOUR

C O R O N A T I O N S T R E E T - T H E T O U R

¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

SUMMER VISITS 2015

FEATURES | Kyle Pedley

'Summer Visits' is a brand new series of features for (A)musings that will feature UK Visitor and Tourist attractions themed around or linked to Film, Television, Videogames or Theatre. Last week, Kyle reviewed Madame Tussaud's London, including it's new Star Wars exhibit. This week, he visits the Coronation Street Set Tour in Manchester, taking a walk down those iconic cobbles one last time before they're gone for good...

A whole fluster of emotions emanate from the set of the old Granada Studios, where iconic soap Coronation Street was filmed from it's original airing in December 1960 right through until recently at the end of 2013. Originally, both interior and exterior shots on the show were filmed in-studio, until a small exterior was introduced in the late 60’s before gradually making way for the full iconic exterior street set, opened in 1981 by none other than Her Majesty The Queen. But be it the humble dwellings of Elsie Tanner, the doorstep of acid-tongued Ena Sharples, the wonderfully garish stone cladding of the Duckworth’s, the many faces and incarnations of the Rovers Return or right through to the climactic, Hollywood-baiting tram crash disaster of the show’s 50th anniversary in 2010, it was was all captured right here in Granada studios - over half a decade of incomparable, beloved memories from the Nation’s favourite soap (TM).

Naturally, one of the overwhelming feelings evoked then, by the chance to explore the 'Corrie’ studios and walk down the cobbles themselves, is nostalgia - a wonderfully even-handed approach by the tours’ designers to the shows heritage meaning that visitors of any age will find plenty to fondly recall - be it signature props from characters of yesteryear (the aforementioned Ena Sharples hairnet, anybody?), an introductory video which highlights 50+ years of love, laughs and drama, through to a handful of more recent sets (such as Carla Connor’s trendy townhouse apartment) and of course the chance to get your photograph taken inside the Rovers - there is clearly an effort to look back at Coronation Street’s history as a whole, which is highly welcome and very fitting, and as mentioned will make a visit appeal to fans of all ages.

Mixed in with the heady nostalgia is a healthy dose of intrigue and surprise - the visit kickstarting with a 50-minute guided studio tour that even hardcore fans of the show will likely find illuminating. The tour guides are an enthusiastic, upbeat and friendly bunch, and provide a whole slew of unexpected behind-the-scenes trivia and tidbits - from the lack of anywhere for actors to actually go when heading up the stairs in Gail McIntyre’s living room, to the eclectic, painted studio floors where sets have been moved around and taken up and down, to the revelation of empty cigarette boxes in ‘The Kabin’ due to cast members’ tendency to help themselves, these are just some of the nuggets of fun, funny insight that make the guided portion of the tour a genuinely entertaining walk through the history of the show.

Fans will also likely find themselves surprised at one turn or another by if nothing else the size of some of the sets - camera trickery meaning some of the familiar interiors are remarkably smaller than they appear on screen. It’s highly typical of Film and Television, and yet when first looking on the Duckworth’s abode, or even stepping into the Rovers, it’s easy to be taken aback by how small they actually are in real life. Expect hours of poring over Youtube clips to marry the memories with the reality of it all; it’s all part of the fun.

The tour ends, naturally, with a walk out onto the iconic cobbles and along the street itself. All the familiar landmarks are present and accounted for - from Roy’s Rolls to the construction yard where fans have recently been recreating the fall of Michelle Keegan’s Tina last year (I couldn’t resist doing so myself) through to, naturally, the iconic sight of the Rovers Return itself, it’s an almost surreal experience exploring the home of so many memorable television moments in the flesh. There’s a deceptive amount to see and hear - you can explore the ginnel behind the terraces and catch some familiar voices (not to mention Jack’s pigeons, naturally), pop into the chip shop, peer into the window of Audrey’s salon or take a seat on Maxine’s memorial bench, and dotted throughout are crew hands ready to impart more tidbits of information and back story - did you know, for instance, the upper rooms of the street were regularly used for scriptwriter meetings and brainstorming sessions?

In all, Coronation Street - The Tour is easily a must-do for anyone who is even the slightest fan of the show. At £17 per person (slightly less for children and concessions) the entry price feels perfectly judged, and you’re unlikely to leave feeling short changed after a couple of hours’ entertainment and insight. Mixed in with the nostalgia and fun factor is a bittersweet tinge of sadness though, for come the end of 2015, the entire lot will be demolished, with production of the show having relocated to Salford. As such, it makes a visit to the set an even more pressing recommendation - a last chance to visit a genuinely iconic benchmark in British television history. Even for those who aren’t particularly ardent Corrie enthusiasts, the tour represents a fascinating opportunity to see some of the behind-the-scenes realities and practicalities of Television production, as well as bragging rights to tell future generations that you walked down those cobbles. With the tour offering extended opening hours during the summer months, including the opportunity for a barbecue on the cobbles on Friday evenings, and even the occasional quiz night at the Rovers (additional cost, advance booking required), now is the perfect last chance for visitors to dive into the world of Weatherfield and take a stroll down one of the most iconic fictional streets of all time.

MUSINGS

+ Experience the Coronation Street, cobbles and all!

+ It goes without saying that it is an absolute must for fans of the show

+ The guided tour is light, fun and insightful

+ Iconic, historic... the superlatives are justified

+ Something for fans of any age - a welcome inclusion of all eras of the show

+ On-hand guides and crew are friendly, helpful and fonts of Corrie knowldge

- May not hold the attention of the very young

- Souvenir shop disappointingly contemporary in its wares (no Jack and Vera!)

(A)MUSINGS (A)TTRACTION (A)DVICE

- BOOK NOW!: Coronation Street - The Tour will only remain open until December 2015, after which the entire lot will begin to be dismantled. Anyone wishing to visit the set and take a walk down the cobbles should book now to avoid disappointment - there will be no further extensions!

- TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SUMMER OFFERS: Over the summer months, the tour will be open until later of an evening, and Friday nights will see the opportunity to partake in a Barbecue on the cobbles. An early evening tour means you will get the chance to see the street in both the light as well as at night, where, all lit up, it takes on a whole extra character and is definitely worth considering in your visit.

- SNAP HAPPY IN THE ROVERS: Whilst photographs are not permitted during the interior guided tour (though once out on the street they are allowed) you will get the chance to have your photo taken at the bar of the Rovers Return. The tour is currently running an offer whereby you can get one free copy of your Rovers photograph, but check the website to see if this will still be on offer during your visit.

- TAKE A PIECE OF CORRIE HOME WITH YOU: There is a reasonably well-stocked gift store at the end of the street, with a whole assortment of merchandise. Whilst it's regrettable there is little in the way of themed character merchandise (a lack of Jack and Vera memorabilia is unforgiveable!) there is a variety of keepsakes, including a highly recommended souvenir guidebook. Be prepared to shell out, as the merchandise is a little on the expensive side, but is unique to the tour.

- SCHEDULE YOUR DAY ACCORDINGLY: Coronation Street - The Tour is a terrific and highly recommended visit, but most visitors will likely make their way through the whole experience in a little over 2 hours. Do not plan on spending the entirety of your day at the tour, and be prepared to make alternate plans in the area or schedule your transport accordingly. Staff on hand are helpful and willing to call taxis for those ready to leave should they be necessary.

- PLAN YOUR PARKING: Coronation Street - The Tour has no on-site parking, and being situated in Cental Manchester, adjoining streets are likely to be occupied. Fortunately, there are a number of free Car Parks within walking distance from the attraction, just be prepared to factor this into your arrival times.

Tickets: 0844 453 9000 (Group Bookings) / Official Website: click

#new #ticker