In May 2013 Al and I went to England. While there we met a number of actors. Four of them told us they were coming to Canada later in the year - Ian Puleston-Davies (Owen), Mikey North (Gary), Sue Cleaver (Eileen) and Tony Hirst (Paul). We wondered which pair would be coming to Ontario. We found out it was Eileen & Paul. We didn't mention any names to anyone until it was announced by Stroll Promotions.
We'd been to three other Stroll Promotion shows before. We'd seen the Croppers , William Roache and Tyrone & Kirk all of which were AMAZING . We weren't going to miss this one. There were 9 shows planned in 8 cities across Ontario. We decided on the afternoon show at the Flato theatre in Markham on Sept. 28th. I didn't think anyone I knew was going to the same show as us. All week I heard stories and saw photos from friends about the shows they had attended. It didn't surprise me to read all the wonderful reviews. It seemed to take forever for our day to arrive.
The first time I met Tony Hirst (Paul) was Jan. 3rd 2012. At that time in Canada we'd only seen him in the 50th anniversary episodes. I then met Tony a number of times in May. I was disappointed when he told me he was leaving the show in August. I usually write to the actors for autographed cast cards, but as he was leaving I asked if he had any on him. He told me he'd have one the next day for me. The following day when Tony saw me he said "Deboraaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah, how much longer you here for? I'll have one for you next time." After seeing him a number of times and hearing the same greeting he said to leave my address for him. The following week when we were on the red carpet at the BSA's Tony recognized me 'Deborah, when do you go home? (person beside me wondered if all the Corrie cast knew me on a first name basis...yes I said, even though they don't). I'll see you in Canada were his last words. I did get a cast card from Tony a few weeks later with a lovely note on the back. Would Tony remember me in Canada?
In 2004 I met Sue Cleaver (Eileen) at the British Isles Show in Toronto. In 2008 and May 2013 I met her again in Manchester. My favourite scenes with Eileen are when she is in Streetcars with Steve & Lloyd. The scrap with Gail on the cobbles was one of my favourite Eileen moments.
It was finally Sept. 28th and the show was set for 2pm. We arrived at the theatre and it turned out we did see a number of familiar faces waiting for the show to start. Most of them were fans that attend our pings.
It was finally Sept. 28th and the show was set for 2pm. We arrived at the theatre and it turned out we did see a number of familiar faces waiting for the show to start. Most of them were fans that attend our pings.
There had been a few hosts for this show and today it was the lovely Claire Martin, CBC's weather lady hosting. Claire came out and there were no long introductions, it was straight to the point. Claire knew we were all there to see Sue & Tony. The audience clapped as the two cast members we'd seen so many times in our living rooms were now standing in front of us. One of the first things you notice about Tony is that smile. Then it's those eyes and it continues! Sue looked very nice.
These shows are divided into three parts. In the first hour of the show the interviewer asks questions, in the second part fans get to ask questions and the third part is for fans who purchased the VIP tickets. They get to stay after the show for the meet and greet with the cast members.
Sue & Tony had such wonderful chemistry. You would almost think they were an old married couple! They shared many fabulous stories and we laughed a lot. They teased each other, shared stories about each other. Claire asked all the right questions. We learnt about their connections to Canada, personal stories and work related, how they got started in the business, stories from behind the scenes and about other cast members, Sue's accidents on set, their interests away from the show, what they had planned for after the tour and much much much more including what Tony thought of the racist story and his exit!
I didn't get many photos, I was too busy enjoying the show to snap away. I didn't want to miss a thing. Most of the fan questions were good, but there does tend to be the odd one or two that go on. The show came to an end and the audience stood on their feet. It had been an enjoyable afternoon and we didn't want it to come to an end. We all had smiles on our faces and Sue & Tony looked like they had enjoyed it too.
I'm sure Sue & Tony will be back to Canada. They have relatives here, plus we have poutine and caesars!
There was a short break while they got ready for the VIP part of the show. Something new this year was the Rovers Return backdrop for photos. What a great idea this was, it certainly added to the photos.
I didn't get many photos, I was too busy enjoying the show to snap away. I didn't want to miss a thing. Most of the fan questions were good, but there does tend to be the odd one or two that go on. The show came to an end and the audience stood on their feet. It had been an enjoyable afternoon and we didn't want it to come to an end. We all had smiles on our faces and Sue & Tony looked like they had enjoyed it too.
I'm sure Sue & Tony will be back to Canada. They have relatives here, plus we have poutine and caesars!
There was a short break while they got ready for the VIP part of the show. Something new this year was the Rovers Return backdrop for photos. What a great idea this was, it certainly added to the photos.
We were the last VIP fans at the afternoon show. We almost missed it as we were talking to Bob one of the crew members. Sue & Tony were getting ready to leave when we ran on the stage. When Tony saw us approaching him he said 'I recognize you!' I got a great big hug. Boy, did he smell nice!!! Tony is lovely!!!! Sue looked on, I'm sure she was wondering how he knew us. After the hug I forgot everything I was going to say. We had a group photo and Sue & Tony signed a few things for us.
The first time I met Sue in Toronto, I hadn't enjoyed that experience. This time it had been much different and much better.
The first time I met Sue in Toronto, I hadn't enjoyed that experience. This time it had been much different and much better.
Tony was the 49th cast member to sign my tshirt which has a photo of Al and I in the Rovers from 1995. 'Big Love Tony H' bottom right of tshirt. Sue signed my book I made about winning the Canada's # 1 Coronation Street fan contest CBC had in 2009. Sue also signed a photo of me from Jan. 2012 when I sat at her desk in Streetcars. Shame she didn't sign it top right of photo and you could have seen it. As we left the stage we were given a cast card of each. We were the last ones to leave the dark theatre.
Before the show I noticed Kim had a lot more Coronation Street memorabilia for sale. There were mugs, lanyards, post cards and more. The most popular item was the Roy's Rolls mug which sold out. Check out their website by clicking on photo below.
It was another wonderful tour by Stroll Promotions. I've said it before and I'll say it again, we are very lucky to get the Corrie stars in Ontario like we do. A HUGE thankyou to Andrew, his partner for this tour JD Elder & Associates and the crew. These shows are always first class and they never disappoint. It was a full packed entertaining two plus hours with stories and information you just wouldn't hear anywhere else. There were no line ups to get in, comfortable seats in a beautiful theatre and we went home knowing a lot more about Sue, Tony, Eileen, Paul and Coronation Street than when we arrived. I would recommend these shows to any Coronation Street fan.
We can't wait for the next tour!!!
If you would like to get the scoop on future Coronation Street show announcements like pre-sale codes, join their mailing list. Email : [email protected] . Mention your province.
You can also follow on twitter : @strollpro
Thanks for visiting. Check out the rest of my website and don't forget to sign my guestbook to let me know you were here.
We can't wait for the next tour!!!
If you would like to get the scoop on future Coronation Street show announcements like pre-sale codes, join their mailing list. Email : [email protected] . Mention your province.
You can also follow on twitter : @strollpro
Thanks for visiting. Check out the rest of my website and don't forget to sign my guestbook to let me know you were here.