A huge art studio set away in an industrial setting in Stonehouse has been secured for several years, and its all thanks to the notorious character Pat Phelan who has just met his comeuppance on TV’s Coronation Street.
Most fans of the Street will know that Phelan is played by Conner McIntyre, a man of many talents who despite being born in the North has made Plymouth his home. It was in Plymouth where Connor first found a love of acting at the Barbican Theatre, and through acting found a love of fine art. Connor took to painting when he was researching the role Robert Lenkiewicz; another local legend. Connor doesn’t do things by half and decided on a degree course in art at the University of Plymouth. He exhibited at the Royal William Yard after finishing an MA in Contemporary Art Practice in 2015, this was during a break from the Street, he had started playing the role of Phelan five years ago!
“my time on Corrie has secured my art studio, The Alamo, for the next few years…”
Speaking with the Radio Times online Connor said that “In practical terms, my time on Corrie has secured my art studio, The Alamo, for the next few years which means an awful lot. It’s run by my partner, who is also a painter, and we mentor graduates.” He continued to explain that they don’t get money from anybody and that his time on Coronation Street had given him “a window to other places to talk about these things”.
But for Connor, it was not just about the money, he spoke about the friendships he had formed as well as the awards (he won villain of the year in 2016 and leads the nomination in this years awards to be announced early in June) plus the love of the public. In conclusion Conner said,
“There’s probably a very long list of things that Coronation Street has given me.”
Meanwhile, it’s been announced that Conner will join Les Dennis in panto this year. Sadly their Ugly Sisters will be at Manchester Opera House, quite a drive from Plymouth.
Story and photo by Roy Perring
