Coronation Street Star Transforms into Hollywood Legend for New Role

Sean Cernow, known for his role as the villain Tony in the long-running series Coronation Street, is set to take on an extraordinary challenge. The Manchester-based actor is preparing to portray the legendary Welsh actor Richard Burton in a new stage production titled Playing Burton.

About the Production

The play, written by Mark Jenkins, will take place at Salford’s King’s Arms from November 9 to November 12, 2025. It offers an in-depth exploration of Burton’s life, highlighting his rise to stardom during the 1950s and 60s in films such as Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf and Cleopatra.

Richard Burton’s Legacy

• Burton’s tumultuous life included high-profile relationships, notably with Elizabeth Taylor, whom he married twice.
• He battled personal demons, including alcoholism, adding complexity to his public persona.
• The play aims to capture Burton’s essence, presenting his struggles and triumphs.

Cernow expressed excitement about the role, having shared rehearsal videos while embodying Burton’s character. He described the experience as both challenging and rewarding, emphasizing the depth of research required to represent various roles from Burton’s career.

Audience Experience

This production marks a significant shift for Cernow, who has largely been associated with villainous roles in his career, which includes projects like The Witcher and House of the Dragon. He hopes to introduce audiences to the more nuanced aspects of Burton’s character.

Performance Details

Playing Burton is set to be performed from:

Tickets are available online through the King’s Arms website or via their box office at 0161 832 3605.

Cernow has expressed a deep respect for Richard Burton, highlighting his ambition to do justice to the actor’s storied legacy. Audiences can expect a compelling portrayal that intertwines Burton’s artistic brilliance with the challenges he faced throughout his life.