JUDITH Barker is refusing to think about being the "star" of Oldham Coliseum Theatre's production of Saturday Night at the Crown. The play very much hinges on the calibre of the actress who plays Ada Thorpe, the role of the domineering busybody, originally played in the West End by the formidably talented Thora Hird. "It is a responsibility, but I don't dwell too much on it," Judith told me during a break in rehearsals. "But Ada is the driving force of the play. It's a very well written and observed part."

Saturday Night at the Crown, the classic Northern comedy by Walter Greenwood, is a fitting production for Judith.

For the play, set in the fifties, was arguably the prototype for Coronation Street and Judith, as people never cease to remind her, was the second Mrs Ken Barlow.

"It was nearly 20 years ago, but people still remember me for that," she said.

In fact Judith has done much more than her Mrs Barlow stint. She was in the touring version of Feed with that other "Street" stalwart Roy Barraclough. The play premiered at Bolton's Octagon Theatre and was a huge success there. But that success was not repeated on tour.

"I think the name had something to do with it," Judith said. "People were not quite sure what they were coming to see." In fact, it was about a stooge or straight man in a comedy act.

Judith who lives at Springhead, near Oldham, has just finished starring in the West End show When We Are Married.

Her many theatre roles have included the nurse in Romeo and Juliet and Mrs Birling in An Inspector Calls.

Her other television credits include Peak Practice and GBH and she is regularly heard on Radio Four in various plays and often reads the morning stories. She should be completely at home on the set of Saturday Night at the Crown which is set in a pub.

Her parents kept the Musicians' Arms in Oldham, which has been demolished to make way for modern housing and The Temple and Bowling Green which, happily, is still there. Judith passes it on her way to the Coliseum.

Judith has a comedy/drama series for BBC Television in the pipeline after the play's run.

Playing Ada's husband, Herbert, is Bolton actor John Pickles.

Originally from Yorkshire, John now lives at Bromley Cross.

"Saturday Night at the Crown is a play I particularly like," he said.

As he doesn't drive, and has no intention of learning, travelling to Oldham suits him fine.

Bolton Octagon theatre audiences may remember him in productions of Henry IV Part I, The Merchant of Venice, The Mast Builder, A View from the Bridge and Under Milk Wood.

John has also directed at the Octagon, but much prefers acting. He has enjoyed filming, notably In The Name of the Father and appearing in a number of television programmes including The Bill and Hetty Wainthropp Investigates. His other love is walking, particularly along canal towpaths with his wife, Jean.

Saturday Night at the Crown is directed by Kenneth Alan Taylor and there are 13 actors in the cast including Meg Johnson and Mark Chatterton who are back at the theatre after the record-breaking production of Cinderella.

The play is at the Oldham Coliseum Theatre from February 20 until March 15.

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