Devoted fans of the iconic ITV soap Coronation Street have launched a passionate campaign to resurrect a long-forgotten stage musical based on the show's rich history. The production, titled Street of Dreams, was created for the programme's 50th anniversary but vanished after a notoriously brief run.
The Rise and Fall of a Cobbles Musical
The story begins in 2010, when the cast recorded an album named Rogues, Angels, Heroes and Fools to mark Coronation Street's five-decade milestone. The music and lyrics were crafted by Trisha Ward, with songs that celebrated legendary storylines and characters. Tracks referenced infamous moments like the catfight between Bet Lynch and Elsie Tanner in He's My Man, and explored the lives of iconic duos like Jack and Vera Duckworth.
This album was later adapted into a full stage show. Street of Dreams opened at the Manchester Arena in May 2012, penned by Coronation Street scriptwriter Damon Alexis-Rochefort. The production boasted an impressive cast including Paul O'Grady as the narrator, alongside soap stars Kym Marsh (Michelle Connor), Kevin Kennedy (Curly Watts), and Katy Cavanagh (Julie Carp). Notably, Jodie Prenger, who later joined the soap as Glenda Shuttleworth, played a young Elsie Tanner.
Despite the star power, the musical was cancelled after only two performances and has never been restaged. The show was not an ITV production but was licensed to Reckless Entertainment, which later faced allegations of non-payment to cast members.
Fan Rediscovery and Renewed Demands
The musical's obscure album recently resurfaced on streaming platforms like Spotify, prompting a wave of nostalgia and surprise among the Coronation Street fanbase. On forums like Reddit, viewers expressed their admiration for the songs and shared their disbelief at the show's abrupt end.
One fan highlighted what they believed was the central error: "Their big mistake was that they expected it to sell out arenas rather than theatres." This sentiment is now fuelling a call to action. Enthusiasts are arguing that Street of Dreams is a "real love letter to the history of Coronation Street" and should be revived, potentially for the programme's upcoming 70th anniversary in 2030.
Could The Curtain Rise Again?
Following the 2012 closure, John Ward of Reckless Entertainment expressed hope that the show would return, stating work was being done to bring Trisha Ward's original concept to stage in 2013. That revival never materialised, and the company is now defunct.
However, the newfound fan interest presents a compelling case. The musical's unearthing coincides with other nostalgic discoveries, such as a bizarre futuristic skit shown at a recent fan event, proving the audience's enduring appetite for the show's legacy. Whether a producer will heed the call to bring back Street of Dreams remains to be seen, but the cobbles' faithful are making their voices heard.
