A FORMER Coronation Street actor is to take to the stage to tell the story of one of the greatest entertainers in cinema history.

Starring Steven Arnold, still best known for his role as Ashley Peacock in the long-running soap, The Charlie Chaplin Story is coming to the Gala Theatre on Sunday, July 3.

The musical weaves through Chaplin’s modest and troubled childhood growing up in Victorian London and explores the relationship between Charlie (played by Bryan Hodgson) and his brother Sydney (Steven Arnold).

The story centres on the brothers’ relationship with their mother, played by Rachael Wood, who, after being admitted to an asylum, was forced to put them into the workhouse.

The show also moves through Chaplin’s early showbiz career on the Vaudeville stage, to the primitive years of early Hollywood and finishes with Chaplin’s breakthrough film The Kid, which made him a household name worldwide.

Steven Arnold said: “Chaplin’s story is very sad at times but it’s also very heart-warming and really entertaining in so many ways - the show has a fabulous cast and features great musicians and songs.

“Audience reactions from our initial shows have been great so I can guarantee that people will leave the theatre feeling that they’ve had a cracking evening of entertainment.”

The production is touring the UK and also stars Helena Gullan from numerous West End productions including Once as well as a cast of West End actor-musicians who play over 20 instruments live onstage.

The Charlie Chaplin Story is at Gala Theatre on Sunday at 7.30pm. Tickets, priced from £17 to £20 are available from the venue, on 03000 266 600 or online at www.galadurham.co.uk.