'Shade' is set to light up Parliament Square at Oldham Pride

Co-choreographed by Neil Bettles and Jonnie Riordan, the performance of 'Shade' will be taking place on the streets of Oldham, at Parliament Square, at 1pm and 3.30pm on July 24

Colourful and lively spectacle 'Shade', from the Fringe First award-winning company, will be a joyous celebration of contemporary queer culture and part of Oldham Pride on Saturday, July 24.

Co-choreographed by Neil Bettles and Jonnie Riordan, the performance of 'Shade' will be taking place on the streets of Oldham, at Parliament Square, at 1pm and 3.30pm on July 24.

Moments of self-discovery and acceptance are set against the backdrop of contemporary queer culture in this new promenade performance from ThickSkin.

Seven unique characters come together in search of their true selves for a dance-theatre spectacular.

Full of cool moves, classic grooves and sassy shapes, 'Shade' is a performance for anyone longing to get lost in the music again.

Join ThickSkin at the party, step out of the shade and onto the dance floor.

Bettles (How Not to Drown - Edinburgh Fringe 2019, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child worldwide, Bedknobs and Broomsticks, Disney 2021) and Riordan (How Not to Drown - Edinburgh Fringe 2019, Toast, London West End 2019), will be joined by sound designer and Tony award winner Pete Malkin (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Death of England, National Theatre 2020) as 'Shade' will amplify and illuminate the value of difference.

Choreographer Riordan said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming audiences to our first live performances of 2021.

"Shade promises to be loud, fun and celebratory, showcasing a young and diverse group of performers.

"We wanted to create a piece that at its heart shouts about acceptance and loving yourself.

"We want our audiences to go away feeling like they’ve been part of an uplifting experience, with classic songs stuck in their heads and a desire to go out dancing.

"As a company that has recently made Manchester our home, it’s fantastic to be able to share this work in progress performance in Oldham as part of a local community festival and representing Oldham Pride in the process.”

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