Historic Oldham arcade to be transformed for interactive family adventure

A magical craft trail is set to transform a historic Oldham arcade into an interactive family adventure.

The free Gifted event, created by the Oldham-based Stand and Be Counted theatre company and Oldham Coliseum Theatre, runs on Saturday, December 16, with tours taking place every ten minutes between 11am-2pm.

It will bring a combination of surprise live performances with music, lights, projections, audio, augmented reality and craft to the beautiful Victorian Hilton Arcade.

Everyone who attends the takeover will be invited to build a creative gift box that celebrates the act of giving and the diversity of Oldham.

Gifted is the first event in an exciting winter programme from Oldham Coliseum Theatre which will reach thousands of young people this year.

John Tomlinson, Executive Director of Stand and Be Counted, which is the UK’s first theatre company of sanctuary, said: “We can’t wait to welcome people to Gifted.

“Our team, with more than 200 people from across Oldham, have been working together to invite everyone to step inside our adventure trail, to see, hear and be inspired by their community.

“We’ve all been learning together, sharing stories across different groups and reminding each other of the power of creativity, community and kindness.

“We think everyone has a creative gift, and everyone deserves a creative gift so join us for the moment we get to share this with each other.”

Gifted will be the culmination of an eight-week long project in which SBC worked with community groups and clubs.

The groups included a Lego making club at Limehurst Library, Vibrant Voices Choir, Manchester City of Sanctuary and the In My Shoes Theatre Group.

Together they made shared boxes of creativity and a book reflecting Oldham’s creative communities.

On arrival at the arcade opposite Spindles shopping centre, Gifted audience members will see a giant version of the book.

Then 1,000 activity books will be available to take away or distributed through Oldham libraries.

Gifted is part of Oldham Coliseum’s partnership with Oldham-based Stand and Be Counted.

It follows their successful Secret Summer audio adventure which took place in Alexandra Park and Dunwood Park in Shaw in August.

As part of its winter programme, the Coliseum team is working in association with Oldham Theatre Workshop on the enchanting show The Wrong Reindeer at Oldham Library.

The theatre is funding a schools tour of the show to reach primary school age children.

Lauren Clancy, interim Chief Executive of Oldham Coliseum, said: “Gifted builds on the success of Secret Summer and reaffirms the Coliseum’s commitment to working with and for communities in its new chapter.

“We’re really proud to be providing unique experiences for thousands of children across the borough through our 2023 winter programme.”

The Gifted experience will be split into four chapters, called Welcome, Hope, Celebration and Joy.

Oldham Council and Arts Council England have supported the project.

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