Writing festival for Oldham

Published: 28 April 2012
Reporter: David Upton

Wordsmith 12Oldham Coliseum Theatre, in association with Manchester's 24:7 Theatre Festival and North West Playwrights, presents Wordsmith12, a new writing festival, from next Friday.

The week-long event, which supports new writing across the region, includes work from some of the best emerging playwrights in the North West, a master class with established writer Amanda Whittington and a panel discussion about writing specifically for children and young people.

One highlight will be the performance of True by Emma Rydal which won the Audience Award for Best Play at last year's 24:7 Theatre Festival. Wordsmith12 also offers audiences the chance of a first look at work supported by North West Playwrights, Boojum Theatre Company and 24:7 Theatre Festival. There will also be performances from the Coliseum's own acting group—ActingLAB—and extracts from award winning playwright Rob Johnson's site-specific play Tunnel Visions.

New plays are a cornerstone of the theatre industry and their quality is dependent on the skill, creativity and vision of playwrights. The Coliseum is dedicated to nurturing talent, offering support and advice to writers of all abilities and pursuing a policy of commissioning new work.

The theatre has a long-standing commitment to new writing and aspires to commission two new plays each year.

Wordsmith12 events take place at Oldham Central Library and University Campus Oldham from May 4-12.

Details: www.coliseum.org.uk

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