Coliseum announces full cast for 'The Engagement Party'

Oldham Coliseum Theatre Ltd have announced a cast of Northern actors and musicians for newly-commissioned production 'The Engagement Party'.

The Engagement Party (Tuesday 18 - Saturday 22 February 2025), is a specially commissioned new production by up-and-coming Greater Manchester playwright Afshan D'Souza-Lodhi set in, and inspired by, Oldham with Creative Director Amanda Huxtable.

The theatre has now announced the full cast for the production which includes a company of talented actors from across the North of England, including: Connor Darren-James as Zack, Marucia Ferreira as Sofia, Jo Gerard as Elder One, Andrea Crewe as Elder Two and Samir Arrian as Elder Three, Evanya Taylor as Daphne and Sid Akbar as Bilal (with further cast to be announced).

The creative team includes Oldham writer Jake Talbot as script support, Designer Emma Williams and Musical Director Sam Davies.

Audiences will be greeted by the hosts of the party, a group of Elders who are supporting the happy couple (Zack and Sofia), when they arrive at the venue before being seated at tables as the performance unfolds around them.

When the couple are late, tensions rise between friends and family.

Will love conquer all or will their differences tear them apart?

With live music and special performances, The Engagement Party will be filled with laughter, love, and the vibrant spirit of Oldham, celebrating us all.

The live music featured in the show will be performed by members of Manchester’s acclaimed Untold Orchestra.

Musicians performing will be Zee Mehdizadeh (vocals), Oliver Lamb (keyboard), Jon Needham (drums) and Faz Shah (violin).

Sam Davies, Musical Director, said: “I'm really excited for this special collaboration between musicians from the Untold Orchestra and the incredible cast we've got - it's going to be magical.”

Creative Director for the show Amanda Huxtable added: “Oldham is a great storytelling town and our cast can’t wait to share this special production.

"What we are creating is more than a play, it’s a celebration for everyone!

"The cast are a great example of talent from across the North of England and Oldham.

"We held our auditions in the heart of Oldham where our partners have been so welcoming.

"At one point one of our cast sang a song and everyone came out on the balconies to hear!

"I’m looking forward to making something special as we reflect the best of our talent in so many ways.”

The production has been made with, for and by people in Oldham and Greater Manchester and the theatre is looking for people to be part of the Community Company that will perform in the show.

For more information on how to get involved, visit: coliseum.org.uk/get-involved.

As well as opportunities to perform, 20% of the tickets will be given to local community groups.

Oldham Coliseum Theatre Ltd is a charity, which since the closure of its Fairbottom Street base in 2023 has been producing and presenting a programme of theatre and creative opportunities for local people, including the popular Khushi Festival, a celebration of South Asian arts, and Culture and Chips, which brings together the local creatives to talk about arts and culture in their town.

The Oldham Coliseum Theatre Ltd’s programme is supported by Oldham Council, Arts Council England and Greater Manchester Combined Authority.

The Engagement Party will run for seven performances from Tuesday 18 until Saturday 22 February 2025 at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in Oldham.

Tickets are now on sale with a Pay What You Choose options with prices starting from £10.

The production is recommended for everyone aged 8 and over.

For more information and tickets, visit: coliseum.org.uk

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