Chance for young to be in theatre revival

Photo: Ian Tilton

FLASHBACK to the 2008 Coliseum production of Brassed Off. Left to right: Josh Molloy as Craig, Stuart Wade as Phil, Niamh Darraugh as Melody, Thomas Butterworth as Shane and Emma Gregory as Sandra.

YOUNGSTERS have the chance to tread the boards at Oldham Coliseum.

The theatre is looking for four young people to appear in its upcoming production of Brassed Off.

The funny and life-affirming play about community spirit and triumph in the face of adversity is set in the fictional mining town of Grimley.

It follows the town's brass band and conductor Danny's life-long ambition to lead them to the National Brass Band Competition at the Royal Albert Hall, despite the impending closure of the town's lifeblood, Grimley pit.

Brassed Off was a smash-hit at the Coliseum in 2008 and returns by popular demand this September.

Adapted from the 1996 film starring Pete Postlethwaite and Ewan McGregor, the play will be directed by the Coliseum's artistic director and chief executive Kevin Shaw and will feature four local brass bands across the run: Delph Band, Diggle Band, The Oldham Band (Lees) and Boarshurst Silver Band.

Roles are available for two girls aged eight to 10 and two boys aged 10 to 13 to play the characters of Craig and Melody, Danny's grandchildren, whose parents face losing their jobs and their home.

The children will perform in two teams, appearing in the production on alternate days.

Community

It's a wonderful opportunity for young aspiring actors to perform on the Coliseum's stage.

Recent productions at the Coliseum involving members of the local community include The Ladykillers' "gaggle" of old ladies, Kiss Me Quickstep's dance chorus, the annual pantomime chorus and the community chorus of Oldham women in 2015's smash-hit musical Dreamers.

The theatre is holding an open audition for the roles of Craig and Melody on Wednesday, July 13, from 6-7pm.

Registration is not necessary and children attending will have the opportunity to take part in an acting workshop with Kevin Shaw.

The play runs from Wednesday, September 7, to Saturday, October 1.

Tickets can be booked on 0161 624 2829 or at www.coliseum.org.uk.