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A stage production celebrating 50 years of ITV soap Coronation Street is to go on tour across the UK, it has been announced.

Coronation Street: Abridged Live! - penned by the soap's long-term script writer Jonathan Harvey - will condense the programme's history of births, deaths, marriages and other dramatic events into one show running for just under two hours.

The Weatherfield drama's executive producer Kieran Roberts is to be the play's chief producer, teaming up with Phil McIntyre Entertainment Limited.

Speaking of the project, Roberts commented: "The very heart of British television has been beating with the pulse of Coronation Street for 50 years. That's a lot of memories, a lot of drama, a lot of poignancy and a lot of laughter.

"I'm thrilled at the prospect of bringing to life on stage all the great stories and characters of 50 years of Coronation Street and I'm sure the play will be a real treat for Corrie fans as well as a great night out in the theatre."

Although the production is expected to feature Corrie legends like Bet Lynch, Tracy Barlow and Richard Hillman, none of the past or present cast will appear on stage. The project is also unrelated to the planned Coronation Street musical.

Coronation Street: Abridged Live! will launch at Salford's Lowry Theatre in August before embarking on a tour of the UK.

Digital Spy