4:54pm Monday 18th August 2008
By Dale Haslam
A CUNNING group of actors have been hiding out at the town’s Met theatre this week hatching a plan to give party animals a night out they will never forget.
Boasting a cast including Coronation Street legend Kevin Kennedy, who played Curly Watts, and 90s popstar Anthony Kavana, the eXtra Factor musical is almost set to hit the road with a clever idea to get the crowd involved in the action.
With a tour set to start in September to coincide with the new X Factor talent contest series on ITV, the stars of stage play eXtra Factor have been learning their lines at the theatre, in Market Street, Bury.
Based on the TV show, eXtra Factor tells the story of a fictional group of hopefuls each dreaming of their own slice of stardom.
But some will go to extreme lengths to get it and others have shocking skeletons hidden in their deepest, darkest cupboards, so there'll be plenty of twists and turns along the way.
Above all though, it’s set to be laughs aplenty from start to finish with no fewer than 21 chart hits performed from start to finish, including Robbie William's Angels and Donny Osmond's Puppy Love.
And if that’s not enough to whet your appetite - how about choosing how the show ends?
Former Emmerdale star, Tottington’s Lisa Riley, who is the show’s creative director, said: “During the half-time interval, members of the audience can text who they want to win and we have six possible endings depending on who wins. It's all really good fun.”
“We're all really looking forward to it. It’s the perfect show to come and watch in Manchester if you're heading for a night out on the town afterwards,” said Kevin, who has performed in West End favourites like Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
He added: “What’s been great during the rehearsals is this is a new play that has never been performed before so we're all really excited about making our roles ours and having a great time along the way. We just want everyone else to enjoy it as much as we do.”
Anthony said: “It has been really enjoyable rehearsing in Bury. It’s great that everything is right on your doorstop. Everyone is friendly in the town and the Met has a great rehearsal space. Venues like the Met are wonderful for local theatre.”
The eXtra Factor tour starts on September 1 and calls at Manchester Opera House on September 25, 26 and 27 at 8pm, with a special matinee performance at 2.30pm on September 27. For tickets, call 0844 847 2277.
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