This week's news from the Coliseum...

We are now fully operational at the Old Library with a host of big rooms – much bigger than we were used to at the Coliseum. The wardrobe department has a fantastic space – much more in keeping with similar workshops at other theatres across the country, unlike the glorified corridor that we had back at Fairbottom Street. The rehearsal room is also much bigger which means we don’t have to imagine the extra stage space. When I was describing the library building to Robin Herford ahead of his arrival to direct Taking Steps, I warned him that it wasn’t in peak condition but when he saw it he said how much better it was than the dingy church halls he’s used in London for West End shows. The space is exactly what we need and it’s with great thanks to Oldham Council that we’re able to use it.

Last week I travelled over to Lancaster with the cast and company of The Hound of the Baskervilles to perform on the production’s set for the first time. Imitating the Dog – the company that are designing the play – had put together the set at Lancaster University and set-up the projections that form an essential part of the production. The overall effect is absolutely stunning – it really is like nothing else I’ve worked on at the Coliseum. The use of projections mean that the action can just zip from one location to another. One minute we might be in Baskerville Hall and the next we’re 221b Baker Street and then Dartmoor.

The cast couldn’t wait to get on the set and start working through bits of the play. This is a real treat, especially considering that we were only in the second week of rehearsals. Usually the cast don’t get to see the set and work through the play on it until the fourth week of rehearsals. This is the first time we’ve been able to work through the play on a set so far ahead of opening night. It’s particularly important for this production because the projections and other design elements are so intricate that the sooner we start working with them the better.

We’re nearly at the end of the final week of rehearsals at the Lawrence Batley Theatre and I’m really looking forward to seeing the harmony of all the multi-media elements with the cast in front of a live audience.

See you out and about.

Kevin Shaw
Artistic Director