Catherine Tyldesley has written her first-ever play and cast an array of ex-soap stars in the show, including her former on-screen grandmother, Sue Johnston.
Catherine Tyldesley
The former 'Corrie' star - who played Eva Price on the ITV soap - penned the play, 'The Ceremony', during lockdown, and the production is being made with her "dream" cast, including ex-cobbles stars Paula Lane (Kylie Platt), and Sue (Gloria Price).
Catherine admitted she gave the director a list of the actors she wanted for the production and "nearly passed out" when the stars, who include ex-'Emmerdale' actress Samantha Giles (Bernice Blackstock) and former 'EastEnders' actor Stephen Rahman-Hughes (Adam Bateman), accepted roles.
She wrote: "Sooooo I’ve been dying to talk about this!!!!
I can’t quite believe it’s happening!!!
During lockdown I wrote a play.
The most incredible west end producer read it, loved it, and told me he wanted to do it. We are blessed to have the most brilliant director- who is bringing such magical happenings to the play.
The director asked who my dream cast was. I told him. We emailed them. They all said YES. At this point I was ready to pass out with excitement. The most wonderfully talented cast:
@msjodieprenger
@paula_laney
@stephenrahman_hughes
#suejohnston #SamanthaGiles .. (sic)"
The Ceremony's stars have already started rehearsals for the play, and Catherine has pledged all money raised from the production will go towards charities supporting out-of-work artists and "struggling theatres", amid the coronavirus pandemic.
She added: "Rehearsals have been completely amazing. I never thought I’d see my humble words brought to life by such incredible talent.
My play is called ‘The Ceremony’ ... it’s heading your way VERY soon. I’m hopeful it will make you laugh till you cry! (Lord knows we could all do with a good giggle this year!)
Official press release and dates to follow.
All money raised will go towards charity supporting out of work #artists and struggling #theatres
Thankyou all for your support.
#TheCeremony #SaveTheArts #theatre #myfirstplay!!!! (sic)"
The play will have no doubt been particularly welcome for Samantha - who departed 'Emmerdale' last year - after she worried last month that she may never work again.
She wrote on Twitter: "Don’t usually post gloomy tweets but today feels like a mammoth task ahead. Will I ever work again? (Common thought in out of work actors I’m afraid) (sic)"
Tagged in Paula Lane Sue Johnston Jodie Prenger