The latest musical production at a theatre founded by a Macclesfield couple has opened to five-star reviews following a celebrity press night.

Former Coronation Street and Chicago the Musical stars Hayley Tamaddon and Tupele Dorgu dusted off their jazz hands at Hope Mill Theatre in Ancoats for the Manchester premiere of the hit Broadway show Pippin.

The pair, who are good pals, are talented musical theatre performers as well as being well known for their TV roles.

Hope Mil Theatre – near the New Islington Metrolink stop in Manchester – was founded in 2015 by William Whelton and Joseph Houston, of Wincle, who gave up their careers on stage to turn the Grade 11-listed former cotton mill they found on Gumtree into a 120-seat fringe theatre.

As well as being co-producers of Pippin, William choreographed the show.

The original Broadway production of Pippin was directed and choreographed by the legendary Bob Fosse – who also devised the famous signature style of Chicago – which both Hayley and Tupele have starred in.

Hayley played the role of scheming songstress Roxie Hart in the most recent tour of Chicago, with Tupele taking the role of Roxie’s rival – the high-kicking Velma Kelly – in 2012.

Will said: “We are so thrilled with the response to Pippin the musical, the five-star reviews have been incredible to see, they are a real testament to the hard work and vision of the whole team here who have made the show happen.

“It is our most ambitious show to date so the recognition for that is really very exciting indeed.”

Pippin tells the story of a young prince on his search for meaning and significance. This Broadway hit includes songs such as ‘Corner of the Sky’ and ‘Magic To Do’. It runs at Hope Mill Theatre until September 23.