Coliseum announce Spring-Summer 2023 season

Newly-appointed Oldham Coliseum Theatre Chief Executive Chris Lawson has programmed a season of world premieres, co-productions and comedies for all ages for Spring, 2023.

In June and July, the world premiere of a new stage adaptation of I, Daniel Blake, a co-production from Northern Stage, Birmingham Rep, Oldham Coliseum Theatre, Cardboard Citizens, English Touring Theatre and tiny dragon Productions, heads to town.

Adapted for the stage by Dave Johns, who played Daniel Blake in the award winning 2016 film, and directed by Mark Calvert, this is a touching and vital story of how people come together in the face of adversity and how sometimes creating a family to support you just isn’t enough.

With 14.5 million people living in poverty, this is not fiction. It is reality.

I, Daniel Blake runs from Tuesday June 27 – Saturday July 8.

Meanwhile, following the phenomenal success of 2022’s Easter production of The Jungle Book, the Coliseum will produce a modern musical adaptation of The Little Mermaid for Easter 2023, directed by Sarah Punshon.

Co-devised by Pins and Needles and Bea Roberts and based on the Hans Christian Andersen tale we all know and love, this new adaptation for families of all ages is a little bit Pride and Prejudice, a little bit Saved by the Bell, just a touch Chicago and a whole lotta fun.

The Little Mermaid runs from Thursday March 30 – Sunday April 16.

London Classic Theatre return to Oldham with Mike Leigh’s ferocious black comedy Abigail’s Party, directed by Michael Cabot.

In her suburban living room, Beverly prepares for the arrival of her guests.

She and husband Laurence will play host to neighbours Angela, Tony and Sue.

As the alcohol flows and the ‘nibbles’ are handed around, Mike Leigh’s ruthless, achingly funny examination of 1970s British life begins…

Abigail’s Party runs from Tuesday 23 – Saturday, May 27.

York Theatre Royal’s production of Jules Verne’s classic adventure Around the World in 80 Days, adapted and directed by Juliet Forster and presented by Tilted Wig, also comes to Oldham.

A rag-tag band of circus performers embark on their most daunting feat yet: recreating the adventures of Phileas Fogg as he sets off on his race around the world.

Around the World in 80 Days runs from Tuesday 11 – Saturday July, 15.

These four productions are included in the theatre’s Season Ticket offer, alongside previously announced productions yet to come from the Autumn-Winter season: Pilot Theatre’s adaptation of Malorie Blackman’s Noughts & Crosses (March 14 - 18) and ThickSkin’s highly visual production How Not to Drown, telling the painful yet uplifting true story of an eleven-year-old asylum seeker (March 23 - 25).

The Coliseum’s Season Ticket is a multi-buy discount offering up to 25% off ticket prices.

As is the theatre’s tradition, pantomime 2023, is on sale now too.

Sleeping Beauty is given the Coliseum’s award-winning and nationally renowned pantomime treatment: we all know the story of the princess cursed to sleep for 100 years, but this panto story doesn’t end there and there’s a whole load more magic and mischief, singing and dancing and slapstick and silliness to follow.

Sleeping Beauty runs from Saturday, November 11, 2023 – Saturday, January 6, 2024.

Last but certainly not least, the Spring-Summer months are packed with opportunities for families of all ages to enjoy theatre and dance in Oldham.

Experience the dangers and delights of Dinosaur World Live (June 2 – 4) and the best of musical theatre meets circus in CIRQUE: The Greatest Show (May 31).

Fireman Sam Saves the Circus (July 29) and Milkshake! Live (August 26) bring the small screen to the big stage, while Northern Ballet return with their child friendly production Ugly Duckling (April 29), and Joss Arnott Dance present a magical retelling of The Wizard of Oz in Tin Man (June 17).

Music fans have a lot to look forward to with: Don’t Stop Believin’: The End of the Night Anthems Show (April 20), The Magic of the Beatles (April 21), Buddy Holly: A Legend Reborn (June 9) and Fastlove: The George Michael Tribute (July 21).

In the Coliseum’s Studio, Liz Richardson tells the true story of a community rocked by tragedy and a rediscovery that helps to keep her and her friends afloat in Swim (June 16 – 17).

Mr Lawson, Artistic Director and new Chief Executive at the Coliseum, said: "The new season of work we announce today has been in the planning for six months.

"After an unavoidable delay, it is my pleasure finally be able to share it with our audiences.”

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