Corrie star ready for Ipswich panto
HE was previously a cult TV figure who fancied himself as a ladies' man.
Anthony Bond
HE was previously a cult TV figure who fancied himself as a ladies' man.
But this Christmas, Ken Morley - otherwise known as Coronation Street's Reg Holdsworth - will take on a completely different role at the Ipswich Regent Theatre.
The 66-year-old will join a star-studded cast as Dame Trott in Jack and the Beanstalk, which will be just as quirky as his former character in the street.
“I am playing the dame in this which is a comic character because she is always going on about what men have done to her,” said Mr Morley.
“I mix it up with the audience. I am a widow looking for a man. There is lots of interaction with the audience which is what I like because every day is different.”
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Mr Morley shot to fame when he played the manager of Bettabuys, Reg Holdsworth, in Coronation Street between 1989 and 1995. He was extremely popular with the show's viewers but he left in 1995 when his character was posted to the Bettabuys store in Lowestoft.
Mr Morley said Jack and the Beanstalk has something for both children and adults and has similar themes in it to what is going on in the world today with the economic crisis.
Alongside him will be former member of boyband Blue Antony Costa , who will play Jack, the hero of the pantomime.
The villain will be played by James Mackenzie from CBBC's BAFTA award-winning Raven.
One of the highlights of the show will be Giant Blunderbore, the largest giant to be seen on any English pantomime stage, which Mr Morley believes will help create a spectacular show.
“Apparently the pantomime went down very well last year in Ipswich but I think we will do very well this year because it is a brilliant pantomime.”
And his advice for those looking to go along?
“I look forward to seeing everybody and, if possible, wear waterproof clothes!”
The show will run from Saturday December 19 to Sunday January 10. For more information, call 01473 433 100 or visit www.ipswichregent.com .
