Get Cooking with the Downeast Streeters

The Downeast Streeters Non-Profit Society is based out of Halifax, Nova Scotia. They've been hosting Coronation Street fan club get togethers, called "Pings", since the mid-1990s and hosted about a dozen Corrie stars in Halifax as well.

They have put together a cookbook with recipes donated from their fan club members and are selling the books, $12 or two for $20 (Canadian). There are about 150 recipes in the book and it's quite a nice volume, with a coil spine so that it lays flat.

If you are interested in one for yourself or a Corrie fan that you know, please contact Darlene at corrielist@gmail.com. She or one of the other committee members will get back to you about payment and postage. They are a great group of people and dedicated Corrie fans.

Visit them at their website or on Facebook. 

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Tvor @tvordlj on Twitter

An Evening With Jimmi Harkishin

It was a rainly night in Halifax, Nova Scotia but at the Westin Hotel Commonwealth Room, there was a bum on every single seat in the house. Jimmi Harkishin aka Dev Alahan on Coronation Street was in town and they were all there to see him. I was unable to be there but I sent my lieutenant Denise to report back about the night and provide a few photos. With her help, here's how the evening went:

Jimmi had arrived on Sunday and did some touring around our fair city.  He visited a few museums, traveled across the harbour to Dartmouth on the ferry for dinner at the Wooden Monkey.  Recognized by the ferry Captain, Jimmi was permitted to "steer" and was given the honorary post of "Ship's Captain".  He was also inducted into the "Order of Good Cheer".  Sounds like a lot of fun and Jimmi certainly said how much he enjoyed his time here and hanging out with us Canadians.

On Tuesday night, the Commonwealth room at the Westin looked great decorated with various street terrace houses, store fronts and the Rovers itself.  A large screen was set up to play various scenes featuring the star; Jimmi Harkishin who plays street romeo Dev Alahan!  Let's see, Dev has romanced:  Amy, Geena, Dierdre, Sunita, Natalie, Tracey and Mad Maya.

Dawn Sloane performed the moderator duties and even produced a short movie and skit that was played out later with audience participation. Tom and Amy from CBC opened the show once again and introduced a pop quiz.

Then Jimmi arrived onstage in formal attire, handsome in a dark suit complete with tie and waistcoat.  Given the intensity of the lights, and how nervous he was,  after the break, that outfit was ditched for a plaid shirt and jeans.

The first half of the show was an informal chat between Dawn and Jimmi. There was some reminiscing about "Dev's" time on Coronation street.  Since 1999 when Dev first appeared, all his woman have been, and I quote Jimmi, "Every woman I meet is a homicidal maniac"!

He was born in Versailles, outside of Paris and he is a middle child with an older and younger brother.  One is a social worker and one is a systems analyst.  Jimmi always wanted to be an actor, however, his parents wanted him to get a "real" job, like a doctor or shop keeper.  After 7 years on Corrie, his Dad saw him in a scene in the corner shop and commented he always knew Jimmi would end up in a corner shop! After graduation Jimmi, spent 5 years in theatre and plays the clarinette and saxophone but we were not treated to any solos tonight.

His comments related to Corrie:
 - What do you think of Peter and Tina?  He thinks it should be Peter and Dev!
 - Will Dev find love or remarry ? -  Jimmi sings "all by myself" with some cheek.  Maybe Dev and Mary ?
 - His favorite love?  Ken of course, with a nice imitation of Deidre's voice.
- Dev is a bruised romantic in Jimmi's estimation and is unlikely to feel "rosy" happy, because it's a soap.

A short video entitled "Short Snappers" was played where Jimmi had to select his preference. 

• Bistro or Rovers?  Well Rovers. 
• Most conniving? Todd 
• Baddest Boy? Rob
• Rekindled romance? Deirdre 
• Most likely to cause trouble? Lloyd
• Who would you like to see come back?  Fred Elliot  I second that, I say I second that!
• What advice would you give Liz about Tony?  Don't do it! (I think we can all agree on that!)

After the break it was time for a raffle. The Downeast Streeters traditionally offers a raffle for breakfast for two with the star, providing the star agrees. They always have done. This year's winner was our own fearless volunteer Darlene who won breakfast with our star.  Congratulations Darlene!! Darlene has volunteered at all the events and has contributed to many pings over the years as well.

Second Half of the show after the raffle included questions from the audience.  Jimmi was very engaging speaking to the question authors and many times roamed among the audience.  He even sang happy birthday and performed a wonderful on stage script written by Dawn.  A lucky lady from the audience was selected to be the "lady in the bar". Jimmi walks in and decides she is the one he must "have".  Funny stuff and all enjoyed.

A brief sample of audience questions:

• Jimmi's Favorite stories - The gentle ones like the "gym one".
• Who do you want your next love interest to be? - Michelle Keegan (Tina, but he was kidding), really...Sally or Leanne.
• Which Corrie actor is least like a character - Dev is nothing like Norris!
• Is it real alcohol at the Rovers ? - Nope, Dev's scotch is apple juice.
• Family? - Jimmi has 4 children ranging in age from 27 to 17.

Jimmi and the Downeast Streeter committee

Before we knew it our time was up.  Standing ovation and thunderous applause :)

Jimmi graciously signed autographs and engaged everyone with a big smile for photos.

Thanks to the Downeast Streeters and Jimmi Harkishin for a great event.

And thank you Denise for your great report! Another success for the Downeast Streeters and another treat for Halifax Corrie fans. Jimmi will be in Toronto this weekend for the British Isles Show.

 The "Walk of Fame"

 The merchandise table

MC Dawn and committee member, Jackie

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Jimmi Harkishin appears in Halifax tonight

Jimmi Harkishin has arrived in Halifax and is looking forward to meeding Corrie fans at the Downeast Streeters' show at the Halifax Westin tonight. 

Jimmi has been playing Dev Alahan on the show for over 15 years now and spoke with the Chronicle Herald about Being Dev Alahan. (There's a slight spoiler at the end of that article but nothing about any specific storyline)

Jimmi describes Dev as a "bruised romantic" and he enjoys playing his character. “It’s fun to play. I don’t buy into cheap notions of machismo and our hero.”

As do most of the actors, Jimmi feels it's a real privilege to be on Coronation Street. He also remembers that infamous scene where Dev and Deirdre Barlow ended up under the sheets together, a total suprise but one that was a delight to film.

“People loved that storyline. She’s brilliant, highly professional, word-perfect; there’s an ease in her. She’s effortless and knows her character inside and out, and doesn’t go through hoops the way I do sometimes. When it became so popular, it was nothing to do with me and all about her in the best possible way.”

Jimmi was born in Paris and currently lives in London, commuting to Manchester. He loves movies and is doing more cooking these days, especially Italian and Indian dishes.

There may still be some tickets left for tonight's event. Tickets are $33 plus fees through Ticket Atlantic and the event is at the Halifax Westin Hotel in the Commonwealth Room at 7:00. He will be in Toronto at the British Isles Show over the weekend.

Later this week the Bluenose Blog will be back to tell you all about the evening from one of the guests attending the show tonight, with a few of her photos.  

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Conversation Street Podcast 86

Gemma and Michael's podcast for the episodes in Canada that aired up to last night can be heard here. Don't worry, they don't do spoilers so you won't hear anything you don't want to!

This week's episodes focus on Maddie winding up Sophie and Sally, Phelan winding up Owen and Gary and pushing the envelope, Tina putting pressure on Peter and Carla's impending motherhood (maybe). Mark Grant from the Downeast Steeters talks about their upcoming event with Jimmi Harkishin.




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Meet Jimmi Harkishin (Dev)

This just in from the Downeast Streeters:

The Downeast Streeters proudly present...
An Evening with Jimmi Harkishin
Coronation Street’s “Dev Alahan”
Tuesday, April 8th, 2014 at 7:00 pm
Doors open at 6:30 pm
Westin Nova Scotian Hotel, Halifax, NS
Tickets go on sale Wednesday, March 5th at 11:00 am
at all Ticket Atlantic outlets and online at www.ticketatlantic.com $29.50 plus service fees
Click here for a list of all Ticket Atlantic outlets:
http://www.ticketatlantic.com/en/home/customerservice/superstoreoutlets.aspx

This means that Jimmi will be the guest at the British Isles Show  in Toronto (Mississauga) from April 11 - 13. Their website isn't updated as of this morning but there will be more information there asap. 


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Video: Marc Baylis plays Stanley Kowalski

Here's one last bit of fun from the Evening with Marc Baylis last week.   See our full write-up of Marc's visit here and read our exclusive interview with him here.

During one conversation, Marc admitted he'd like to portray the Stanley Kowalski character from A Streetcar Named Desire. Dawn told him that he should try the classic "STELLA!!!!" line on set.

Here's a clip of that conversation:

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An Evening with Marc Baylis

Marc Baylis wowed Coronation Street fans in Halifax at the Westin Hotel last night in a production from the Downeast Streeters Non Profit Society. As always, a top show! Marc might have been a bit nervous before stepping out on to the stage but he soon relaxed and spent the better part of two hours answering questions prepared by host Dawn Sloane and submitted by fans in the audience. He joked, laughed, charmed and kept the audience of nearly 300 enthralled. In the end, he thanked the fans for their hospitality and support which made his job easier.

He is a very personable man, well spoken, professional, funny, genuine and humble, with none of Rob Donovan's brashness and cockiness. He's also very good looking with a big, wide smile. He chatted about his pre-Corrie days in drama school and work in films and in theatre but the focus was on Coronation Street and his experiences there.

He likes to tell the story of how he'd promised his Nan that he'd do his best to get a part on Coronation Street as it was what she'd love to see him in and he also mentioned that he glibly told his girlfriend on New Year's Day that he would be in Corrie that year. That was the  year he made it to the cobbles!

He is thrilled to be working with Alison King, Chris Gascoyne and Kate Ford and all four of them are good friends. He's also great mates with Lisa George (Beth) and meeting and working with David Neilson is another of his dreams come true. There was a lot of joking about him playing Stanley Kowalski some day and using the tag line "STELLAAAAA" in the show. Marc says he just might do that on set, between takes at least.

Marc also said some of his favourite work to date was the storyline over the stolen Silk, when Carla busted him and a lot of their past history was thrown out in their faces. He and Ali were really excited to play that and he thinks that if that storyline hadn't happened, Rob might not have developed much further. He is sure there will be more layers to Rob and Carla's relationship yet to be discovered.

I really enjoyed the evening and got to meet Marc up close and personal, both in the autograph signing line and later, with the Downeast Streeters organizing committee when we all hung out together for a little while post-show. I used to be a committee member and still maintain their website and participate in the pings regularly. I also have volunteered for every event they've ever put on even when I wasn't on the committee. I have to say all the events were great but this was one of the most enjoyable guests yet.

There are so many more things to tell about, and it's best left up to you to read a full report here.
A full photo album is here. 

Marc and host Dawn Sloane

Me and Marc

"STEELLLAAAAAA!!!!"

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Blog Exclusive: Interview with Marc Baylis

Tonight in Halifax, the Downeast Streeters are welcoming actor Marc Baylis for An Evening With... Marc plays Carla Connor's brother Rob Donovan who's been creating havoc on the cobbles pretty much since his arrival. He's currently keeping company with Tracy Barlow and running a business with her. He and Carla are on the outs but that will probably change.

I was able to interview Marc by email via the chair of the Downeast Streeters Non-Profit Society (Thanks, Connie!) and I must say, it makes me look forward even more to seeing him tonight and hearing all he has to say. With no further ado, here's the interview:


Hi Marc, I am a contributing editor for the very popular Coronation Street Blog and it's sister blog, the Bluenose Corrie Blog. I live here in Canada.  The fans in Halifax are very excited to see you when you are here in November. I understand you have some family here? Presumably you've visited before. What do you think of Canada and in particular, Canadian winters?

I've only been over in the summer before whilst seeing my family and absolutely fell in love with the country. The main thing I found was how friendly everyone is. I've not braved a winter as yet but believe me... I've brought my thermals!!!! 

Do you read the various Corrie blogs and social media fan sites?

I have read the blog and especially when I was preparing to start filming on the street. With the shows rich and lengthy history it was impossible for me to know EVERYTHING so I used as many resources as possible for research. It came in very handy to say the least. With regards to social media, I tend to stay away as no matter how many positive comments you may have with regards to the performance there will always be some negatives. It's the nature of being in such a popular show. The negatives can unfortunately be the comments that can stick in actors' minds and therefore throw you off the job in hand. And if we don't concentrate on the job in hand then there will be less positive comments... Vicious circle.. Ha ha!!

I've enjoyed your portrayal of Rob Donovan and find the dynamic between Rob and his sister, Carla very interesting. There's a lot of history there and we've already seen some of the sibling rivalry, the hurt, the regret, the resentment and the underlying caring. Is the show going to pursue that some more?

Its great to hear that you find the dynamics interesting. Alison and I are having a lot of fun playing them and without a doubt there is still a lot more to be revealed and unravelled when it comes to their history. This will be discovered from particular circumstances that arise over the coming months where we get to see them being closer than since the 'Silk' situation.

Rob seems to be in much the same position as Tracy's ex, Charlie Stubbs, who also could recognize Tracy for who and what she is but who was also one to avoid committment and step-parenthood. Rob is much nicer than Charlie, of course, but if he doesn't want that committment, do you think he could fear for his own life as well?

I think that Rob's arrogance steers him away from being fearful of history repeating itself. Also, there is a lot of trust in the relationship stemming from them both feeling at times in their lives as outsiders, or, in prison term 'Insiders'. Forgive the pun!!!! This has helped to create a  natural bond which enhances their love of fun and danger in life which can be troublesome for the other residents of the street.

Changing the subject away from the show... when you were first finding your feet as an actor, was there someone that mentored you or inspired you?

I have been fortunate to have a few mentors at crucial stages through my life who I can't thank enough for their investment in my aspirations. I think that no matter who we are, or where we come from, we all need support and encouragement. There are a lot of fine actors out there that inspire me... The dream I guess is to work with them.

Actors find it difficult to get that first break. What was yours and do you have any advice for people trying to get into the business?

One reason that we find it so difficult to find that first break is that there are so many actors and so few opportunities. From a personal perspective I have always looked on every job as an achievement and a break. From a viewer's or public point of view then Coronation Street is without a doubt my  first break. However, without any of my previous work I may not have even landed the role of Rob. Thankfully... I did. So I guess my advice for any budding actors would be that if you work hard and be professional then more opportunities will come your way and then it's up to you to take them. Oh.. Also.... Please... have a sense of humour!!!!!

Thanks very much for taking the time to answer my questions! I'll be posting the interview on both the Coronation Street Blog and the Canadian timeline sister site, the Bluenose Corrie Blog, most likely the day of your appearance here in Halifax! I will be there and look forward to meeting you in person!


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Updated details: Meet Marc Baylis in Halifax, NS

Here are the time, date, location and ticket details for the Marc Bayliss (Rob Donovan) event in Halifax:

Date: Tuesday, November 12, 7:00 p.m. Doors open at 6:00

Location: Atlantic Room, Westin Hotel, Halifax

Tickets: There will only be 300 tickets available to this event! They will cost $29.50 plus service fees through Ticket Atlantic either online or through the Ticket Atlantic Superstore Outlet locations. The event will be listed there soon. Tickets go on sale Tuesday, September 10 at 11:00 a.m.

   

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Vicky Binns in Halifax this week (Minor spoiler below)

Tomorrow night is the Downeast Streeters event in Halifax, N.S., "An Evening With", hosting a Corrie star in Halifax. The Streeters have been putting these events on since 2002 most years. The actor that's featured at this year's event is the woman that played Molly Dobbs, Vicky Binns. She's not on the show in the UK now but she is still here on Canadian screens because we're 10 months behind the UK storyline.

Apparently she's arrived in the city so the show will go ahead as planned. You never know about these things! Between problems with the flights and weather issues, anything can happen but we've been lucky to date with only one near miss due to flight problems a few years ago. I'm going to be working at the event tomorrow night as always and I've taken a room at the hotel and taking Wednesday off as well. It's so much easier than getting home exhausted late at night and hauling out of bed in the morning. I'll still get up earlyish but I can then go home and relax, sort through my photos and do a write up for my Corrie website and blogs!

Yes, we in Canada are 10 months behind the UK timeline. What we see on our screens this week aired in mid-June last year. Damn you, CBC! Well, it's not a big deal for me anymore since I download the UK episodes so am up to date, but it's still irrirtating that CBC let us fall so far behind for no real good reason. They used to be only 6 weeks behind but as the show aired more often weekly in the UK it took CBC awhile to go the same route and then when CBC shows the Olympics, they don't show Corrie for the two weeks. They used to catch up with extra episodes but they stopped that years ago. When there's extra episodes in the UK or hour long episodes, CBC doesn't put the extra on that week so you fall further behind. They caught up a couple of months a few years ago when CBC was on strike and they doubled up to fill some of the air time. It's creeping up again now, though.

Anyway, all that aside, tomorrow's show will be fun. They always are. The actors always have great behind the scenes stories. Ms. Binns has been on the show about (without looking it up) 6 or 7 years maybe? Possibly a little less.

As you know, Molly, her character, had an affair with Kevin, her husband Tyrone's best friend and business partner. The man that plays Kevin, Michael LeVell, was here in Halifax 2 years ago, just before that affair started on screen. It was just a rumor then and he said he hoped it wasn't going to happen because it wasn't really in character but it did. It was dreadful but it did provide some long time repercussions, I'll give it that. Molly is now pregnant and doesn't know who the father of the baby is. (I know but I'm not saying so as not to spoil things)

Anyway, enough of that. I must remember to get my event ticket off the top of the fridge or they won't let me in! I'll be blogging about the event of course and linking to photos I take. There may be spoilers in the write up. The actors usually do let a few things slip though most generally try to be circumspect about spoilers.

There are some tickets left ($27) but you might only be able to get them today. Celtic Traditions in Spring Garden Place, Edgewood Cafe on Baker Drive in Dartmouth and possibly still some left at Ed's Unique Gifts at 10 Akerly Blvd in Burnside. They don't sell them at the door.

Vicky Binns is coming to Halifax

Vicky Binns, who plays Molly Dobbs, is coming to Halifax on Tuesday, April 12, 2011 at the Halifax Westin Hotel. The Downeast Streeters are hosting the show, the ninth Corrie actor they have presented to local Corrie fans over the years.

Tickets cost $27 and you can get them at the following  locations:
Celtic Traditions, Spring Garden Place, Halifax, NS
Edgewood Cafe, 250 Baker Drive, Dartmouth, NS (cash only)
Ed's Unique Gifts, 10 Akerly Blvd, Unit 60, Dartmouth NS

Don't delay! These shows always sell out and it will be a great evening! Charge up your camera batteries and and think of a question to submit on the night of the event for Vicky to answer. Check at the Downeast Streeters for any further information and links to past events.

Vicky will fly from Halifax to Toronto and she will be the guest at the annual British Isles Show (which hasn't updated their website yet, but the dates will be the weekend of April 15-17)