Sponsors and partners of Oldham Coliseum Theatre’s pantomime, Aladdin, are being treated to special VIP events at the theatre this month, with the opportunity to meet the pantomime’s stars before heading into the auditorium to see this year’s fun-filled festive spectacular.

The theatre’s annual family pantomime has been entertaining the people of Oldham and beyond since 1887. Years of talent and tradition has made the Coliseum’s pantomime a firm favourite with panto lovers across the country and a highlight of the festive season for Oldham’s families. Back with a bang following 2020’s postponement, this year’s production has already garnered a string of four-star reviews.

The backing of local businesses helps to ensure the high-quality production that generations of Coliseum audiences have come to know and love. Aladdin is supported by: George Hill Timber and Building Supplies, N Brown Group and Pearson Solicitors and Financial Advisers and the pantomime’s Educational Partner is Oldham Hulme Grammar School.

Richard Eastwood, Partner at Pearson Solicitors and Financial Advisers, said: “Pantomime is a great British tradition and we are so pleased to be supporting the Coliseum’s Christmas production.  What better way for families to get together, have some fun and forget about the troubles of the past 18 months than at one of the best shows of the year.

“I firmly believe as a key local business it is our responsibility to support the community in which we all live and work, by supporting this production of Aladdin we get to have some fun at the same time.  The Coliseum is a gem on our doorstep and helping local theatre and allowing it to thrive and encourage the next generation is so important. 

“There is a saying that ‘you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone’ in the case of theatre when the pandemic hit and the curtains went down we all missed live productions.  The simple truth is we all know how good the Coliseum is, we just expect it to always be there and so every bit of support, from businesses to box office, is important to keep this treasure at the heart of our town.”

Jayne Hill, Director of George Hill Timber and Building Supplies, added: “As a family run business with a long history in Oldham we are thrilled at George Hill to be sponsoring the pantomime at the Coliseum once again. The Coliseum panto is an institution in our town and an event that we look forward to all year. Last year when the theatre was closed Christmas just wasn’t the same. We’re so happy to see it back and we’re proud to support the Coliseum and its rich cultural heritage.”  

Phil Barnes, Director of Supply Chain at N Brown Group said: “N Brown are proud sponsors of Oldham Coliseum and have been for a number of years now. For us, as a company, it’s important to support and help our local community and the theatre offers entertainment for all ages.

The Coliseum is a place to escape to and become ensconced in the art and culture of the theatrical world and is also a social gathering for likeminded individuals. We are extremely proud to sponsor the Coliseum and cannot wait for this year’s pantomime as it was sorely missed last year.”

Claire Brownlie, Director of External Relations at Hulme Grammar School added: “Oldham Hulme Grammar School is extremely proud to partner with and support Oldham Coliseum Theatre.  It is a mainstay of culture in Oldham and generations of families have accessed and learnt to love theatre there, particularly the ever-popular panto. We at OHGS can't imagine Oldham without its theatre and hope our support plays a part in securing its future success.  Arts and cultural organisations closed their doors in March 2020 and were forced to flex their offer, 'going online' providing us with much needed entertainment and respite from the difficult 18 months that followed.  The pandemic has reminded us of our appreciation of live theatre, we missed it greatly, and we are again looking forward to introducing our students to the excitement of the 'curtain up' moment.”

Oldham Coliseum Theatre’s nationally renowned pantomime is usually enjoyed by over 35,000 people each year. In 2020 whilst the theatre was closed due to the coronavirus pandemic the Coliseum presented a package of festive offers for all ages which were viewed online over 30,000 times, and raised over £50,000 in its first ever Crowdfunder #GetBehindUs. 

Now two years in the making, Aladdin puts the sparkle back into the festive season for audiences from across Oldham, Greater Manchester and the North West. The Coliseum has a well-earned reputation for presenting the region’s favourite traditional pantomime. This long-established and much-loved festive event is perfect for all the family.

Widow Twankee and her sons Aladdin and Wishee Washee run Twankee's Laundry, Oldham's only hold-out against the evil Imperial Washing Corporation. When Aladdin finds a magic lamp, it seems all his wishes have been granted. But Aunty Banazar has an evil scheme to steal the lamp and use it to conquer the land. With help from the Jinn of the Lamp and the Spirit of the Ring, join Aladdin as he tries to save Princess Jasmine, Oldham, and the world!

Aladdin runs from Saturday 13 November 2021 – Saturday 8 January 2022.