Young Corrie actress to star in new play

Harriet was born and raised in Market Rasen and still comes home to visit her parents regularly, having played the role of Summer Spellman in Coronation Street since 2020.

Ian Kershaw (husband of Corrie legend Julie Hesmondhalgh) is a writer on Coronation Street and saw the play ‘My Name is Rachel Corrie’ in the early 2000’s.

Recently he hoped to stage the play and when he spotted Harriet, he knew he had found his Rachel, asking her if she would perform the one woman show, whilst he would direct.

Harriet Bibby agreed and the Take Back production will premiere at 53Two theatre in Manchester on March 18-21 with an extra performance added on March 22 now due to demand.

Many of Harriet’s friends and family are heading across to Manchester to support her.

It is a rarely performed, multi award-winning play, based entirely on a young American peace activist’s diaries and emails. Taken from the writings of Rachel Corrie, edited by actor Alan Rickman and journalist Katharine Viner.

In 2003 Rachel Corrie, profoundly affected by events in Palestine, was compelled to travel to live and work with the people in Gaza.

In a recent interview on her role for ILoveManchester.com, Harriet commented: “Rachel is funny, unique, goofy, thoughtful and incredibly intelligent.”

She added: “Throughout the play, we become fully immersed in her world; experiencing moments of real joy alongside moments of deep pain.

“If a piece of art can make you laugh in one moment and feel genuine heartbreak the next, that’s exactly the kind of work I’m drawn to.”

She adds: “She’s not a symbol, but a real person. I think the play is funny, moving and deeply human, and it stays with you long after you leave the theatre.”

Harriet trained at ALRA North. Other credits include Brassic and Doctors for TV and Blackbird at Royal Court Liverpool in 2022. This is her first time working with Take Back.

The play is being co-produced by Julie Hesmondhalgh, Rebekah Harrison and Grant Archer.