This week's news from the Coliseum...

The Dick Whittington cast had great fun at the annual reindeer parade in Oldham town centre last Saturday. It was the first time the cast got to frolic around in their fantastic costumes – all made by the Coliseum’s wardrobe team who started work on them as early as May. The dame’s cupcake dress was stunning, King Rat’s costume suitably evil, Dick Whittington donned the thigh high boots and Fairy Bowbells with her trusty glittered covered wand – the whole cast looked very festive and fitted right in with Santa and his reindeers.

Everyone along the parade was eager to see the Coliseum characters, the cast have so much interaction with the audience during pantomime performances that they were in high demand and they made sure that they stopped to say hello to as many people as possible. I heard such positive comments from everyone about how much they’re looking forward to the production which of course will be bigger and better than ever and mixed with the same magic as always.

While I’m in panto rehearsals (glitter, gold coins and fairy wands litter the rehearsal room), I’m also putting the finishing touches to the new season. Our time out of the building for refurbishment will include performances at venues around Oldham, the next step is to get the season brochure together for you to find out about our superb programme of plays. The work on the season brochure not only includes working with a designer to create the eye catching imagery that you see on posters and leaflets, but all the extra material about where the productions will be in the spring/summer season.

The Coliseum’s marketing officer, Laura, has been pulling together all the various bits of information about this exciting season which will be like nothing the Coliseum has done before. They will be performances staged in completely different ways at different venues. Not only will it be something new for the audience, it will be a fantastic experience for staff at the Coliseum - working in fresh environments, changing the way they operate and having the chance to try something new.

For now though, it’s back to panto rehearsals. Just over a week to go and you’ll all be able to come and see all the magic in its full glory on our stage.

See you at the theatre.

Kevin Shaw
Artistic Director