Oldham Coliseum set to return with biggest production since closure of iconic former theatre

Oldham Coliseum is putting on its biggest performance since the closure of the ‘jewel in the crown of Oldham’ venue on Fairbottom Street.

The theatre production charity is taking over the Queen Elizabeth Hall with a ‘magical’ and ‘immersive’ new show ‘The Engagement Party’.

The play, written by Afshan D’souza-Lodhi, centres on lovers Zack (Connor Darren-James) and Sofia (Marucia Ferreira, pictured above).

When the couple is late to their engagement celebration, tensions start to rise between their loved ones.

Their differences threaten to tear the families apart – but is the couple’s love enough to bridge the gap between them?

Directed by Amanda Huxtable, the show promises a whirlwind mix of Oldham-inspired drama – from a love story that started in an Oldham chicken shop to live performances by the town’s very own United Orchestra.

Performed cabaret-style, audience members will be guided to their tables by the families’.

Elders, with no idea if they’ll be seated next to other viewers or members of the cast.

The action will unfold around them, with actors from across the North West expecting to deliver ‘a perfect mix of Coronation Street and Britain’s Got Talent’.

Director Amanda Huxtable said: “It’s been gorgeous bringing Oldham Coliseum vibes to spaces across Oldham and am so excited to be bringing this production to audiences next month.

"There will be live music, dancing and drama all unfolding around the audience who will be sat at tables and really immersed in the action – it really is a production you climb into.

“It can be tough out there in the world at the moment, so I hope this production will help us all celebrate each other and celebrate why we are here.”

It’s the biggest production put on under the Coliseum name since the theatre’s closure in March 2023.

While renovation works go on at the Fairbottom Street venue, following Oldham Council’s pledge to rescue the site after a tireless grassroots campaign, the Oldham Coliseum Theatre group are ‘keeping the spirit of the theatre alive’ through performances and workshops hosted in different parts of the town.

The Engagement Party will run for seven performances from Tuesday 18 until Saturday
22 February 2025, with tickets now on sale from £10 on a Pay What You Choose basis.

Around 20 per cent of the tickets are also being handed out to local community groups.

The performance is suitable for anyone over the age of eight.

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