Coronation Street star Harriet Bibby is set to reprise her role in the award-winning play My Name Is Rachel Corrie after its successful run earlier this year. The actress, best known for playing Summer Spellman on the ITV soap, will return to the stage at Chorlton's Independent Theatre & Arts Centre on November 7 and at The Dukes Theatre in Lancaster on November 13 and 14.
Background of the Play
The one-woman show, written by Ian Kershaw—husband of Corrie legend Julie Hesmondhalgh (the late Hayley Cropper)—tells the tragic true story of Rachel Corrie, a young American activist who traveled to Gaza in 2003 as part of an international peace brigade. The play was first staged from March 18 to March 22 at 53two in Manchester, produced by Take Back Theatre, a collective founded by Julie Hesmondhalgh, Grant Archer, and Rebekah Harrison.
Announcement of Reprise
Ian Kershaw announced the return on Instagram earlier this month: "We're coming back to Manchester @edgemanchester @harrietanneb @takebacktheatre on Saturday 7th November for 2 x performances only. Please join us - ticket link in bio @rachelcorriefoundation." He later confirmed the Lancaster dates: "We are coming to @thedukeslancaster November 13th & 14th. Please join us @harrietanneb @takebacktheatre @rachelcorriefoundation." Harriet shared the update on her Instagram Story, saying: "You heard right - we're coming back! Get your tickets now."
Harriet's Reflection on the Play
After the initial run, Harriet reflected on Instagram: "I've been on quite the journey telling Rachel's story. What a privilege it has been, to speak Rachel's words, to work with incredible people and to share this story with every audience who came to listen." She thanked Ian Kershaw, the Take Back Theatre team, and George Miller. Her Corrie co-stars praised her performance: Georgia Taylor (Toyah Battersby) said, "Knocked my socks off darling. As I knew you would. Keep being brilliant, open, beautiful, inquisitive you." Sally Dynevor (Sally Metcalfe) called it "Absolutely wonderful," and Liam McCheyne (Dylan Wilson) commented, "Smashed it."
