More than meets the eye...

Did you know that on top of the eight main house shows we produce at the Coliseum we also host a variety of other community events during the year? Opportunities are available to everyone, from children to the over 60s, to showcase their work on our stage. A majority of these happen during the summer once our season has come to a close. We have supported this type of work for many years and will continue to do so for years to come.

Last week the theatre was awash with nearly 300 children from local primary schools who had been working on a Shakespeare for Schools project over the last term. The name Shakespeare can be a little daunting – especially at school – but this was a fantastic way to introduce young people to his work. Nine schools were involved altogether and the children performed extracts from the Bard’s best known plays on the main stage to an audience of family and friends. The corridors were echoing with the sounds of “Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?”

On Monday we hosted A Celebration of Dance where secondary schools showcased their work that they have been rehearsing all term. The show was a mix of different dance styles; tap, jazz and street led by Laura Mulholland who choreographed the spectacular dance sequence in Totally Over You  - the youth show that kicked off our spring/summer season. Many of the kids involved would never have thought they’d get the chance to perform on the main stage at a professional theatre.

Dance sequence from Totally Over You

Tuesday saw the return of the totally unique over 60s Silver Stars talent show organised by Age Concern. I was on the judging panel again trying to pick a winner from the singers, dancers and musicians. I really look forward to it because there’s always such a great atmosphere in the auditorium and our staff love popping in and seeing who’s on stage.

Tonight we have Judith Barker’s Imagination – a showcase of the fantastic work being produced at her self-named drama school. Judith has a long history with the Coliseum and is a friend of the theatre; she appeared on stage for several years when we had a resident company of actors alongside her husband Kenneth Alan Taylor. We’re always delighted to welcome her back and support her talented pupils one of whom did a brilliant turn in Brassed Off in 2008.  

Next week sees the return of Oldham Theatre Workshop in their annual summer slot. We have a long association with OTW and I always look forward to seeing their show. This year it’s Prom! The Musical set on the night of a school prom (surprisingly enough) where things don’t run smoothly…

As you can see, there is a vast range of activity that goes on at the Coliseum besides the plays we produce. We regularly welcome amateur companies to perform during our season and also have a wide range of drama groups that also get the chance to perform their work here. It’s really important element of what we offer the local community.

See you at the theatre,

Kevin Shaw

Artistic Director