When the curtain rose on the opening night of An Audience with Coronation Street at London’s Dominion Theatre on Sunday, September 14, fans of Britain’s longest-running soap knew they were in for a special evening. But few could have predicted the laughter, nostalgia, and heartfelt memories that would come pouring out—especially from Coronation Street favourite Sam Aston, who left the audience roaring with his tale about the late, great Bill Tarmey.

Sam, who has played Chesney Brown since 2003, joined a glittering panel of Corrie icons including Patti Clare (Mary Taylor), Jimmi Harkishin (Dev Alahan), Jane Danson (Leanne Battersby), and the legendary Barbara Knox (Rita Tanner). The lively evening was hosted by Sharon Marshall, who kept the energy high and the conversations flowing as the stars reminisced about life both on and off the cobbles.

For Sam, the night wasn’t just about swapping anecdotes—it was about sharing one of the funniest and most touching pieces of advice he ever received on set. And it came from none other than Bill Tarmey, beloved by millions for his role as Jack Duckworth.

“It was such a laugh being up on the West End stage…”

After the event, Sam reflected on how surreal it felt to perform not in Weatherfield, but in the heart of London’s West End. “It was such a laugh being up on the West End stage at the Dominion Theatre, swapping stories with the cast and being in front of Corrie fans,” the 32-year-old revealed. “The atmosphere was amazing—it felt like the audience were right there with us, reliving those moments that have become such a big part of British TV history.”

That atmosphere only intensified when Sam launched into his treasured memory of Bill Tarmey.

The advice from Jack Duckworth that still makes Sam laugh

“I’ve got so many great memories from growing up on the Street,” Sam explained. “But the one that always makes me smile is from when I was about 12 years old. Bill Tarmey—Jack Duckworth himself, who was a legend in every way—turned to me and said, ‘Sam, make sure you get yourself on that ITV pension…’”

The crowd burst out laughing as Sam paused for effect. “I mean, I was 12!” he continued. “It was classic Bill—funny, but also looking out for me. That was the kind of person he was. And to be able to share a moment like that with everyone in the room was just brilliant.”

Fans responded with warm applause, many visibly touched by the reminder of Tarmey’s humour and generosity. It was a reminder that Coronation Street isn’t just about storylines—it’s about family, mentorship, and the bonds that outlast even the most dramatic plot twists.

Jane Danson’s trip down memory lane

Sam wasn’t the only one pulling back the curtain on Corrie history. Jane Danson, who joined the soap at just 18 years old, delighted the audience by revisiting her early days on the cobbles. “I absolutely loved being on stage at the Dominion Theatre with everyone,” she said. “It felt really special. I even dug out my old scrapbooks from when I first joined Corrie. ”

She went on to share one of her earliest press clippings. “One of the articles back then had this big photoshoot where they called me ‘Street Spice.’ We all had such a good laugh over that! It just shows how much the show has been part of my life from the very beginning.”

Her reflections struck a chord with the audience, who have watched Leanne Battersby grow from a rebellious teenager into one of Weatherfield’s most complex and enduring characters.

Barbara Knox and Patti Clare: legends of laughter

Barbara Knox, Corrie royalty thanks to her decades-long portrayal of Rita Tanner, and Patti Clare, who has made Mary Taylor one of the show’s most eccentric treasures, also brought the house down with their stories. Between heartfelt memories and side-splitting tales, the panel reminded everyone why Coronation Street remains such a national institution.

Host Sharon Marshall kept the mood buoyant, guiding the conversations with warmth and wit. “The chemistry between the cast members was incredible,” one fan tweeted after the show. “You could tell they genuinely love each other—it felt like being part of a family gathering where the stories just kept coming.”

More than a show: a celebration of Corrie history

An Audience with Coronation Street is no ordinary theatre production. It’s an intimate conversation series that brings beloved Corrie stars together to share the real stories behind Britain’s favourite soap. From pranks on set to emotional turning points in their careers, no topic is off limits.

The London premiere was just the beginning of a nationwide tour that promises to give fans across the UK a chance to experience the magic. Upcoming stops include Sheffield (September 19), Salford (September 20), Sunderland (September 21), and Glasgow (September 24). Each show will feature a rotating line-up of Corrie favourites, ensuring no two nights are the same.

Among those set to appear are Andy Whyment (Kirk Sutherland), Jack P Shepherd (David Platt), Samia Longchambon (Maria Connor), and Simon Gregson (Steve McDonald). Other names on the bill include Sue Devaney (Debbie Webster), Jodie Prenger (Glenda Shuttleworth), Julia Goulding (Shona Platt), and Rob Mallard (Daniel Osbourne).

Why Sam Aston’s story struck such a chord

Sam’s anecdote about Bill Tarmey resonated deeply because it captured something essential about Coronation Street: its unique blend of humour, warmth, and authenticity. Bill’s advice—equal parts joke and genuine concern—embodied the supportive spirit of the Corrie family, where younger actors are guided by the veterans who came before them.

For fans, hearing these stories live from the stars who lived them is a reminder that the heart of Weatherfield beats just as strongly behind the cameras as it does on screen.

The laughter lives on

As the Dominion Theatre echoed with laughter and applause, it became clear that An Audience with Coronation Street is more than just a nostalgic trip down memory lane. It’s a living, breathing celebration of the show’s legacy, one that continues to evolve with every new performance.

And for Sam Aston, the opportunity to share his favourite Bill Tarmey story with hundreds of Corrie fans wasn’t just entertaining—it was healing. “It felt like we were all remembering him together,” he said softly. “And that’s something really special.”