The Road to Weatherfield

Did you hear about the theatrical digs landlady who thought the best way to prepare fillet steak was to boil it?

Or the local rep company who put on Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves as a Christmas treat for its loyal audience with a cast of eight?

Both are featured in The Road to Weatherfield by former Coronation Street scriptwriter Barry Hill

Granada Television, one of the pioneers of independent television broadcasting in this country, had occupied its Quay Street studios in Manchester for almost 60 years before its move to new purpose-built, state of the art headquarters at Media City, Salford.

The Road to Weatherfield recalls the entertainment scene over the previous six decades from the beginning of the 20th century when music hall reigned and at the world of the entertainers who made their name through radio, film, variety and rep.

The growth and influence of the Granada group when all this rich heritage was drawn together to meet the challenge of changing times with the launch of ITV.

And the author's own experiences over almost three decades of writing for Corrie, the world's most successful television drama serial.