Former Coronation Street star Paula Lane has an exciting new project and it’s got a special link to her former work place.
Paula, 32, has joined the cast of Hope Theatre Company’s new play celebrating the life of Corrie superfan Martyn Hett.
Martyn tragically lost his life along with 21 others when Manchester Arena was bombed during an Ariana Grande concert in May last year.
The cast and crew of the ITV soap led the tributes to the fan, who had previously made headlines for getting a Deirdre Barlow tattoo on his leg.
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Many of the cast also attended his funeral, and the new set features a memorial bench dedicated to Martyn and the other victims.
The new play is called #BeMoreMartyn: The Boy With The Deirdre Tattoo and celebrates Martyn’s life.
It’s pieced together from interviews with eight of his closest friends – and uses their words.
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The Manchester Evening News reports that Paula will play the role of Rachel, one of Martyn’s school friends.
In the play, Rachel and Martyn discuss their first night out in the gay village, as well as Martyn coming out and his love of Coronation Street.
We're thrilled to introduce our cast for #BeMoreMartyn:The Boy with the Deirdre Tattoo.
Mon 21 – Sat 26 May @hopemilltheatr1
Tue 29 May – Fri 1 June @WarrenTheatre, @brightonfringe
Sun 3 June @swkplay https://t.co/hkhRL0slCO pic.twitter.com/GN4FbSrRqv— Hope Theatre Company (@hopetc) April 23, 2018
Paula played Kylie Platt for six years before her dramatic exit in 2016.
She told the newspaper: “I am so thrilled to be joining Hope Theatre Company and to help continue Martyn’s legacy.
“To speak Rachel’s words and share her memories is an absolute honour and I’m looking forward to sharing this important message.”
#BeMoreMartyn will premiere in Manchester next month, during the week of the first year anniversary of the terror attack, before travelling to Brighton and London.
#BeMoreMartyn: The Boy with the Deirdre Tattoo will be at Hope Mill Theatre from May 22 to May 26.
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