Coronation Street star Chris Gascoyne has told how culture changed his life as he gets ready to perform at Bradford’s Alhambra Theatre.
The actor, best known for his soap opera role as Peter Barlow, will play evil villain Stromboli in the brand-new pantomime, Pinocchio, this winter.
The talented cast also includes panto legend Billy Pearce, drag star Courtney Act, and actor and voiceover artist Ewan Goddard.
It comes ahead of Bradford’s year in the spotlight as City of Culture - something that could open the doors to more young people with creative talent.
Reflecting on his theatrical roots, Chris said: “I was here, 29 years ago on this stage with a play called The Changing Room by a writer called David Storey, a very famous writer. He’s one of my favorite writers actually - his novels are brilliant, his plays are great. I was very lucky to work here all those years ago. I was only in my sort of mid-20s, I don't think I'll be tearing Bradford up the same way as I used to!
“I had no qualifications at school, not really interested or good at school. I had dyslexia, which they never could diagnose, they didn't know that word. Coming out of school and no qualifications, and without having a good drama teacher at school, I didn't think people like me from that normal working class background could be an actor. It seemed that was for the golden people on TV. I never thought that I could do it. But other people helped me, ‘Chris you could do this’. I like the challenge.
“I was not in the factories - if that would have been my life, then I'd have found happiness there - but I've had such a life that I never expected and still do.
“Some days you say, wow that’s been a crazy dream.”
He later took on roles in television, including the troubled and stubborn Peter Barlow.
Over his 23 years on the cobbles, Chris has led many high-profile storylines, including affairs, alcoholism and a custody battle for his son, Simon.
The son of Corrie stalwart Ken Barlow, Peter’s first appearance was during the 40th anniversary live episode in December 2000.
Speaking about life’s twists and turns, he said: “If you let it, it will take you where it wants, good experiences, bad experiences, and you learn from it.”
Chris will be returning to the pantomime world with his take on puppeteer and showman Stromboli, who wants to work Pinocchio to death.
“All the fairy tales that we tell our kids are terrifying,” he said.
“‘Here comes the chopper to chop off your head’, The Child Catcher - I was terrified of him - and the Witch in the Wizard of Oz.
“I've done quite a few shows before, I've played all the baddies. I did Captain Hook last year. One night when I came on I realised I'd left the hook in the dressing room. I knew I'd forgotten something and then I looked down, I was like, ‘Ah, that's what it is’. I’d already started to speak then I thought, ‘what do I do? Put my hand behind me back’!”
"It’s just a joy, where a family can be together with no cares in the world and you enter into the most beautiful dream, this wonderland, and Christmas is coming up, life is really good. You're watching this beautiful fairy tale of dreamlike character. I did this pantomime once and I used to stand on the side of the stage and watch this scene. It could have been any kind of decade, it would have been exactly the same 150 years ago this scene, and it's really moving.”
Pinocchio runs at the Alhambra from December 7 to January 19, 2025. Call (01274) 432000 or visit bradford-theatres.co.uk
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