Events and actions taking place this month in Greater Manchester.
From Mariupol to Manchester: How arts and culture are helping Ukrainians to heal
The war in Ukraine has destroyed cultural venues, but artists are using their talents to keep Ukraine’s stories alive and assist the war effort.
Rochdale’s Breaking Barriers production company is raising the bar with new project ‘Elevation’
Blackstone Edge is the setting for an immersive experience that adds new meaning to this iconic landscape.
Rochdale Festival of Ideas
In March, Rochdale hosted its first ‘Festival of Ideas’. Coinciding with the reopening of the renovated Rochdale Town Hall, it brought together artists, musicians, community groups, and schools to explore the power of creativity in bringing together everyone across Rochdale’s diverse community.
The Fête of Britain in Manchester’s hands
“Cancel your sodding Netflix account and start doing things together”, says Brian Eno
Interview with Kevin Leach, technical manager at Oldham Coliseum
Kevin Leach worked at Oldham Coliseum since June 2006. For about 14 years he was a stage technician before becoming technical manager just before the pandemic. Though having to deal with redundancy himself, he campaigned to save the theatre too, and has posed questions to Oldham Council in his fight for answers and assurances for his colleagues.
Review: Encore Coliseum
It was a show unlike any other. With a cast of stars who began their careers at the Coliseum, with future stars of the stage and screen, with amateurs who have been welcomed onto that stage as they escape the real world with their love of theatre, the show encapsulated the spirit of the Coliseum. This was the last show at Oldham’s Fairbottom Street theatre.
“They’re depriving a whole generation of accessible arts, of ambition, of hope and storytelling”
Oldham Coliseum played host to a star-studded line-up on 21 February, but it wasn’t the usual entertainment on offer. Actors from the North West joined members of the public to save the venue from closure. Coronation Street’s Jane Hazlegrove attended, and we caught up with her after the meeting to talk about her connection to the Coliseum.
Save Oldham Coliseum: actors and community unite to keep theatre in Oldham
Yesterday, 21 February 2023, the actors’ union Equity held a public meeting to discuss the Oldham Coliseum Theatre’s uncertain future. Representatives from the industry addressed a packed auditorium, while those with the political and financial capital to save the building were notably absent.
“The show must go on”: Oldham Coliseum’s alumni come together in bid to save theatre
The theatre and arts world was rocked on Tuesday by the decision to cancel all shows at Oldham Coliseum Theatre after their funding bid to the Arts Council was rejected. Some of the industry’s leading lights have spoken out about the decision and reflected upon what the historic venue has done for them over the years.