Oldham Coliseum Theatre, North Manchester’s iconic home of world-class drama, has unveiled a vibrant programme of theatre, storytelling and comedy across various intimate venues across the town this spring.
Alongside afshan d’souza-lodhi’s specially commissioned production, The Engagement Party, the Coliseum’s new season schedule offers an eclectic array of performances and events hosted in intimate, accessible spaces.
On Wed 26 and Thu 26 Feb, award-winning writer and performer Gerel Falconer presents Tones – A Hip Hop Opera, in which the visceral urban sounds of hip-hop, grime and drill provide a wondrously inventive backdrop to the traditional melodrama of opera in ‘an engaging and beautiful story’ (Ed Fringe Review) at Oldham Library.
Billed as a piece of gig theatre like no other, Tones follows the pivotal moments of Jerome, AKA The Professor, from infancy to graduation in a searing exploration of the black British experience and a unique tale of self-discovery.
On Wed 12 Mar, Billingtons ballroom, bar and kitchen hosts a one-off night of side-splitting stand-up with the Oldham Comedy Club, starring emerging Mancunian act Faizan Shah, veteran funnyman Mick Ferry and multi-award winner Nina Milligan.
The following week at Billingtons (Thu 20 Mar), Debs Newbold’s King Lear Retold offers a riotously funny yet deeply poignant interpretation of Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy with grounded, accessible storytelling and breathtaking command of The Bard’s original verse.
On Wed 9 Apr, Toucan Theatre stages a delightful double-bill for families with The Naughty Fox and The Noisy Dinosaur. Perfect for children aged 0-5, the shows transport audiences through enchanted forests and multi-sensory jungles in a pleasant, relaxed afternoon of friendship and play.
On Wed 23 Apr, Oldham Library welcomes Wake the Beast and their timely, gleefully irreverent A&E satire In the Sick of It, in which the two actors confront devastating NHS cuts and issues a rousing call to arms with inspiring verbatim stories, devilishly dark humour and boundless imagination.
Rose Sergent, Programme Co-ordinator, said: “This Spring Programme is a celebration of the creativity and diversity of live performance. By bringing events into smaller, more intimate venues across Oldham, we’re connecting with our audiences in new and exciting ways. We’re thrilled to offer a variety of shows, from thought-provoking storytelling to family-friendly fun.”
Martina Murphy, Chair of the Board of Oldham Coliseum Theatre, added: “Our Spring Programme along with our artist development schemes previously announced reflect our dedication to making theatre accessible to all and investing in the artistic future of Oldham. By
supporting emerging talent and bringing incredible performances to local venues, we’re proud to play a part in enriching our community’s cultural life.”
To see the full Oldham Coliseum Theatre spring programme, click HERE.
Oldham Coliseum Theatre is slated to reopen with a new theatre building later this year.
- Words:
- Wolf McFarlane
- Published on:
- Wed 29 Jan 2025
