From December 1–24, Oldham Coliseum Theatre will air a short play responding to a festive theme each day on its social media channels.
The Advent Plays are a sprinkle of Christmas, each lasting no longer than 2½ minutes, filmed on stage at the Coliseum on a cosy living room set, with props and furniture audiences may have seen in previous Coliseum productions.
The 24 short have been written by 14 writers and feature 25 professional actors. It’s all part of a package of digital festive offers from the Coliseum this Christmas. Further offers include Panto Digital Storytelling and Messages from the Dame, a celebration of the achievements of people in the local area with the Pantomime Dame.
Meanwhile, the Coliseum is launching new monthly meet-ups for audiences, participants and members of the local community to discuss arts and culture over the nation’s favourite snack. Culture and Chips is a space to discuss what everyone would like to see and how the Coliseum can best serve the community in the future.
Each month, the theatre will invite guests from Oldham and beyond to talk about their practice, connection to Oldham and vision for the future. Three questions will form the basis of each meet-up and topics will be set by attendees, with open space to talk more broadly.
When safe to hold meetings in person, the Coliseum will provide chips for the meet-ups to boost the atmosphere. Whilst under COVID-19 restrictions, meet-ups will take place over Zoom.
The first Culture and Chips meet up is on December 16 at 5PM. Tickets are free but must be booked via the Coliseum web site.