“I wanted these women to BE the action of the play, not supporting it but taking centre stage”

Two actresses who will be familiar faces to Coronation Street fans over the years are to reunite for a regional tour across the north west of an acclaimed play.

For the last ten years, Christine Mackie has been known to viewers of the ITV soap for playing the role of Dr Susan Gaddas, in which she has appeared in 90 episodes. Christine, from Lancaster, has also previously appeared in Downton Abbey and wrote acclaimed stage production KIN.

First premiered in her hometown two years ago, KIN tells the story of sisters-in-law Kay and Steph who meet for the first time in years at a funeral – with a steady stream of revelations ahead. It has been described as ‘Game of Thrones in the Cotswolds’.

As part of a north west tour, Kin will be returning to Lancaster, as well as stops in Hexham, Hull, Mold, Northumberland and will conclude its run at Manchester’s HOME Theatre from October 29 to November 2.

The play will be directed by actress Sue Jenkins, who played the role of Gloria Todd in Coronation Street between 1985 and 1988. She also played Jackie Corkhill in Brookside for ten years from 1991 to 2001.

Taking on the lead roles of Kay and Steph will be Roberta Kerr, who has also appeared in Coronation Street in the role of Wendy Crozier and Emmerdale as Jan Glover, and Kerry Willison-Parry, who has also starred in various roles in both ITV soaps.

Writer Christine said she was inspired to write KIN three years ago after realising, in her 60s, how there were little roles of substance for older actresses. Speaking of the show, she explained: “I wanted to show characters that are complex and contradictory, funny and flawed, passionate and playful.

“These are all qualities sadly lacking in most representations of older women on stage and TV, when they’re either a grandma or someone interested in buying a pre-paid funeral!

“I wanted these women to BE the action of the play, not supporting it but taking centre stage and for KIN to be a really great night out in the theatre.

“The show was so well received at The Dukes (in Lancaster) and I am very excited to take the show back there and then on to such fabulous new venues.”