William Roache M.B.E. Canadian Tour Interview + Bio & Short History
Interview via E-mail from William Roache aka Ken Barlow November 2011. Ref: Canadian tour March 2012. Show title Coronation St. Icon: An Audience with William Roache.
March 15th Ottawa @ Centrepointe theatre 1.866.752.5231 www.centrepointetheatre.com March 17th Toronto @ Winter Gardens theatre 1.855.622.2787 www.ticketmaster.ca March 18th Hamilton @ Hamilton Place 1.855.872.5000 www.ticketmaster.ca March 19th Victoria @ Royal Theatre 1.888.717.6121 www.rmts.bc.ca March 21st Vancouver @ Red Robinson Show theatre 1.855.985.5000 www.ticketmaster.ca March 23 & 24th Halifax @ Casino Nova Scotia 1.877.451.1221 www.ticketatlantic.com
Answers to questions:
Is this your first visit to Canada? And, what impresses you about coming to the country? I visited St John‟s Newfoundland in the eighties. I did a play at the Art and Culture Centre. I was made to feel very welcome. I was amazed at the wilderness, vast areas and the animal life. A bit worried when I came across a bear's footprint.
How important are Canadian fans to the worldwide success of Corrie? It is really wonderful to have such a strong fan base in Canada. It is so rewarding and comforting to know that the show is enjoyed and appreciated by so many in Canada. I was thrilled to get a personal letter on my golden anniversary from your Prime minister the RT.Hon.Stephen Harper, saying that he is a fan. I was really honoured, and would love to meet him and thank him.
Have you been surprised by the success of Coronation Street in Canada? The Canadians have always struck me as being warm and friendly, family loving and with a good sense of humour. So, no, it does not surprise me that the show is successful there.
What sort of show will you be doing in Canada? The show is in two parts. The first part I will talk about my life and how I became an actor and leading up to my getting the part of Ken Barlow in Coronation Street. The second half I will talk a little about the Street and then answer questions. You can ask anything you like; I am in your hands!
Are you looking forward to travelling across from coast to coast? Did you realize how big a country it is? I am very much looking forward to travelling from coast to coast. Yes, I am in awe at the size of the country. In England nowhere is more than a five hour drive.
Can Canadian fans look forward to any juicy story lines for Ken coming up? My main stories now are around my wonderfully dysfunctional family. My daughter Tracey was convicted for murder, my son, Peter, is a bigamist and an alcoholic and Ken and Deidre are a bit dodgy. Probably more of the same. Another affair? Who knows?
Why do you think Corrie translates so well across the Globe? I think that Corrie translates across the globe because it is about ordinary people struggling with the adversities of life. Showing their weaknesses and their strengths but through it all their humour, and that when the chips are down, human beings are shown at their best.
END OF INTERVIEW. William Roache M.B.E. Canadian Tour Interview + Bio & Short History
Coronation St. Star William Roache will be touring Canada with his unique one man show in March 2012 and will share stories and secrets of his life and role from the world‟s most successful soap. William Roache has played a record breaking 51 years and counting as „Ken Barlow‟ in the world renowned soap opera, Coronation Street.
Personal life:
Father of Linus (born 1964), Vanya (born 1967) by his first marriage and father of Verity Elizabeth (born 1981). Edwina (born 1982, died 1984) and James (born 1986) from his second marriage. William‟s sons, Linus and James both actors who have also played visiting and current roles on Coronation Street respectively.
Linus Roache currently plays Michael Cutter on Law & Order: SVU (TV series) James Roache currently is a cast member on Coronation St. in the role of James Cunningham.
Both William & Coronation Street hold Guinness World Records. Coronation Street (ITV) having aired its first episode on December 9th, 1960 in the UK has become the world‟s longest-running soap opera which William Roache debuted as Ken Barlow and thus became the longest-serving soap actor.
In the 2001 Queen‟s New Years Honours List William was awarded the M.B.E. (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for his services to television drama. Also William is one of six "Coronation Street" (1960) actors to win the Lifetime Achievement Award at the British Soap Awards. The others are Barbara Knox, Johnny Briggs, Elizabeth Dawn, Betty Driver and William Tarmey.
An Author as well, in 2008, his book Soul on the Street offers an inspirational insight into William's deep spiritual understanding and the times and events that have shaped his life. As well he recently-authored 50 Years on The Street: My Life with Ken Barlow.
William has spent the last 50 years pleasing the public through his work in show business. “Ken” has been an ever present part of Coronation Street as the current patriarch to the always dramatic Barlow clan in this remarkably successful series that continues to rapidly grow converts to this day. He is a true professional.
If you are a casual viewer or a lifelong Coronation Street fan this is the one show to put on your social calendar. Visit with others to capture the energy and enjoyment of seeing a true veteran of the cobbles and hearing the stories only “Ken” can tell.