Oldham Coliseum Theatre is set to stage a site-specific revival of Jim Cartwright’s festive play A Christmas Fair, in association with award-winning company Not Too Tame.
The immersive production will take place at Chadderton Town Hall from 17 December to 2 January, embracing the theatre’s current £10m refurbishment by continuing to make work beyond its traditional stage.
Directed by Jimmy Fairhurst, Artistic Director of Not Too Tame, the production marks a new partnership between the two companies. Fairhurst was previously nominated for a UK Theatre Award for Best Director alongside Matthew Dunster.
The cast includes John Henshaw (Early Doors), Samantha Robinson, and Dickon Tyrrell, with further casting to be announced.
As part of Not Too Tame’s commitment to providing professional debut opportunities, open auditions will be held on Monday 6 October. The team is seeking two performers with professional training or credits.
Jimmy Fairhurst said:
“We welcome and encourage performers from all backgrounds and abilities – especially those who are working-class or have protected characteristics. We’re passionate about representing real people and telling stories with heart, humour and guts.”
Martina Murphy, CEO of Oldham Coliseum Theatre, commented:
“Christmas at the Coli has always been at the heart of our theatre, and we’re pleased to be keeping that tradition alive. During this time of transformation as we prepare to return to our newly refurbished home next year, it has been fantastic to form a new partnership with Not Too Tame whose work resonates with our desire to interact more with our audiences. As we look ahead to a bright, exciting future, we continue to explore creative opportunities and find new ways of bringing theatre to the people of Oldham. Staging A Christmas Fair written by the inimitable Jim Cartwright in Chadderton Town Hall is the perfect setting to bring Jim’s characters to life in the most joyful and somewhat unruly manner.”
Fairhurst added:
“I’ve always believed theatre should be fearless, fun and rooted in the lives of everyday people. Being invited to be part of Oldham Coliseum’s history is a delight and working with Jim Cartwright – the Paul McCartney of theatre – is an honour. His plays told me as a young man that this industry could be for me. It’s my responsibility now to make sure that my work does the same for others. His words sing with humour, grit and humanity, and directing his work at Christmas feels incredibly special. This show is about resilience, celebration and togetherness – values that feel more vital than ever.”
A Christmas Fair first premiered in 2012 and is a love letter to village life. It follows five characters as they prepare for the annual Christmas fair, blending humour and heartache in equal measure.
The creative team includes Associate Director Kayleigh Hawkins, Designer Jen McGinley, Lighting Designer Benny Goodman, Sound Designer Jack Baxter, Movement Director Annie-Lunette Deakin-Foster, and Musical Supervisor & Composer Benjamin Holder.
Listings and ticket information can be found here
