Save Oldham Coliseum's film 'Our Sleeping Beauty' (True Love's Kiss) with a poem by Julie Hesmondhalgh will première at Valentino's in Oldham on Wednesday 24 April at 6:30PM.
Produced by Hesmondhalgh and Zoe Hodges with music by Hodges, the film includes historical footage, edited by Andonis Anthony and Grant Archer, and an array of actors, all with a connection to Oldham, who rallied to preserve the theatre on Fairbottom Street.
In order of appearance, the actors are Suranne Jones, Sally Carman, Paula Lane, Christopher Eccleston, Paul Hilton, Annie Wallace, Mina Anwar, Lisa Riley, Antony Cotton, Siobhan Finneran, Julie Hesmondhalgh, Sian Phillips, John Henshaw, Shobna Gulati, Jane Hazlegrove, Sally Dynevor, Andonis Anthony, Mitesh Soni, Maxine Peake and Kenneth Alan Taylor, plus the children of Blackshaw Lane School.
Hesmondhalgh said, "the public outcry that followed last year's closure of Oldham's beloved Coli, from audiences and artists alike, made national news. Since then, a dedicated group of campaigners have been working tirelessly to fight for the jewel in Oldham's crown to be reopened and restored to her former glory. She is not dead but merely sleeping, and the passion and dedication of those who love her might yet wake her from this extended nap!"
Hesmondhalgh's BAFTA-winning writer husband, Ian Kershaw, added, "the legendary, internationally famous Oldham Coliseum is the town's beating heart of art and culture. 15,000 of us have signed a petition urging the decision-makers to reopen the beloved theatre on Fairbottom Street. Please join us by adding your name to the petition and sending your kisses to wake her!”