THE FORMER landlord of the Rovers Return believes Coronation Street has sacrificed too much of its trademark humour in pursuit of sensational storylines.


Roy Barraclough, who played sleazy Alec Gilroy on the soap, on and off, between 1972 and 1998, made the comment ahead of his appearance in Corrie! at Richmond Theatre.

The comic actor, also known for teaming up with Les Dawson to play 'ladies of a certain age' Ada and Cissy, will be guest narrator for the play, which condenses the Street's 50 years into a hilarious two hours.

"Coronation Street played a huge part in my career and I look back on that period with great affection," he says.

"In those days the writing was very much about comedy. I understand that had to change to compete with other soaps but I still think it could do with a bit more humour.

"One of the reasons people are so fond of the Street is that even now you're always sure of a few good laughs, which isn't the case with the likes of Eastenders."

Corrie! was written by the Street's scriptwriter Jonathan Harvey, who has penned more than 100 episodes of the show, and played to packed houses in Manchester ahead of its UK tour.

The cast of six play nearly 60 of the soap's best-loved characters, from Ken Barlow to Hilda Ogden, acting out famous plots like Deirdre being sent down and Charlie's death at the hands of Tracy.

"It's a wonderful tongue-in-cheek tribute to the Street and really captures the spirit of the show," says Roy.

"Alec only makes a brief appearance but I was a little bit affronted because you only see his head sticking up over the bar. I didn't think I was as short as that.

"I think my favourite story during my days on the Street was Alec's wedding to Bet (Lynch), which was huge at the time.

"None of the fans wanted her to marry him so when word got out about where we were filming there were hundreds of people outside shouting 'don't do it'."

Corrie! is at Richmond Theatre from April 18-23. Tickets, priced £12.50 to £29.50, are available at www.corrietheplay.com or from the box office on 0870 060 6651.