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Twenty-one years on since its cinema release, When Harry Met Sally makes the jump from screen to stage this month, playing at Manchester’s Opera House from 10–15 May.
Back in 1989 the iconic film starred Hollywood actors Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan, but this time former soap stars Rupert Hill, aka Corrie’s Jamie Baldwin, and Hollyoaks beauty Sarah Jayne Dunn take on the lead rom-com roles.
We met up with Rupert last month for a sneak preview of what to expect.
For anyone who’s not seen the film, how would you describe it?
It’s very funny and insightful; it’s a wonderful script and a timeless account of two people in New York first forging a friendship and then you’re not sure whether or not that is going to grow into something else.
How do you find playing a love cynic like Harry?
He’s flawed and I think as an actor you want to play those flaws, so you get a rich texture and the chance to call upon different things. I enjoy playing the diversity of him, and trying to make him likable at the same time – it’s quite a challenge.
In the play Harry famously asks the question ‘Can men and women ever really be just friends?’ What do you think?
I understand where Harry’s coming from. I’ve had a similar thing happen to me as in the story of When Harry Met Sally with my current girlfriend Jenny (Jenny Platt aka Corrie’s Violet). We started out as really good friends and that grew into something else.
You’re based here in Manchester, so is it good the tour involves five dates at the Opera House as part of the run?
It’s amazing, as Jen’s about to give birth, so it’s going to be really nice to be at home. A lot of the tour is Northern, which means I can commute quite a bit; with the baby around that will be extremely useful. Also, I have a pub in the Northern Quarter called the Castle Hotel, so it’s good to be around for that.
And finally, after the tour ends, would you be tempted to make a return to the cobbles like other former Coronation Street characters for the soap’s 50th celebrations?
I’m not saying I never would but I don’t have plans at the moment. I’m really happy enjoying doing what I’m doing and I’m very excited about what the future holds. At the moment I’m happy to not be doing that any more. I did it for such a long time and I loved it there but I can’t see me going back any time soon. |
