Actor Laura Littlewood has become a familiar face reporting breaking news from Coronation Street’s many dramatic moments. Now at the other end of the reporter’s notebook, Laura tells us about her latest role playing Mrs Bradman in HER Productions new twist on Noel Coward’s classic, Blithe Spirit.

Coronation Street fans will recognise you as reporter Suki Waters. If you could choose your own storyline to return to Weatherfield what would it be?
Laura: “Suki loves to stir the pot, always after the best story and it’s got her in trouble before now. She’s been thrown out of a couple of houses on the street as it is! I do love playing the villain and would definitely like to explore this more. Maybe she’s due a fling or two, but I wouldn’t like to say who with!”
This is your second time working with HER productions what is it about the company and this play in particular that attracted you back?
Laura: “Hannah and the team have been producing really high quality and exciting theatre for a long time now, I will always jump at the chance to work with them again”.
HER productions is well known for adding a unique twist to classic plays. What can audiences expect from this new production of Blithe Spirit?
Laura: “Well, I would get in trouble if I shared any spoilers! But we can guarantee it will be a very fun night out, we are in constant fits of giggles in the rehearsal room.”

Can you tell us a bit about your character?
Laura: “Violet Bradman, she’s an attention starved socialite, a snob and a bit of a flirt! She’s great fun to play!”
Do you have any real life experiences of ghosts and the supernatural?
Laura: “When I was first going to acting classes in Manchester, there was an old building in Ardwick we used to rehearse in. There were rumours it was haunted and few people had seen an ‘old woman’ appear. I remember the clock spinning round really fast one evening, we were all a bit freaked! I’m more into angels than I am ghosts.”
What do you enjoy about performing at Hope Mill theatre?
Laura: “I’ve had the privilege of performing at Hope Mill a number of times now, it has a gorgeous atmosphere and a wonderful team who work there. Its a ‘Manchester gem’ for sure”.
What is it like to perform a farce in such an intimate space?
Laura: “I prefer a smaller space, I’m really looking forward to feeling the energy the audience brings each night”.
What would you say to someone who has never seen the play before and is thinking about coming to see the show?
Laura: “It will be a very entertaining evening for all ages! It’s a brilliant story and there are some hilarious performances from the cast.”
Blithe Spirit opens at Hope Mill Theatre on February 12 and runs until the 22 before heading to The Dukes in Lancaster from February 25 to March 1 2025.