Launched in January 2021, Oldham Coliseum Theatre’s Micro Commissions offered investment, support and a platform for artists and companies to create and share work for and about the world as we live in it today.

Commissions in 2021 explored themes of health and wellbeing, local stories or work for and with young people from Oldham, and are designed for audiences and participants to experience online.

2021 Micro Commissions are free to access. 

By Grant Archer

Angel of History

Angel of History is a collaboration with ballerina Nicky Henshall, actress Shobna Gulati and composer Akshay Gulati, exploring what it has meant to be a performer during the Covid-19 pandemic of 2020 when all regular creative outputs had been restricted. 

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By Bog Standard Creatives

A Brew, A Terrace and the 184

A filmed 25-minute play filled with authentic stories, injecting comedy and laughter whilst tackling the harsh realities of growing up in a town where deprivation is prevalent. 

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By Joyce Branagh

The Newcomer

The Newcomer explores the joyous true story of a survivor of a WWII Nazi German concentration camp who came to Oldham aged 12. Presented as an audio piece, the tale is a crucial link to talking about immigration historically and in the present day with both older and younger members of the community. 

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By Dare to Know Theatre

A Broken Family, Together

Follow the story of nurses working in ICU wards at Oldham Royal Hospital, celebrating and documenting the dedication and heroism that nurses have shown throughout the pandemic.

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By Tori Burgess

A Tale of Two Giants

An audio drama for families based on the Saddleworth folk tale of Alphin and Alder, framed as a precursor or accompaniment to a walk around the natural beauty on Oldham’s doorstep.

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Jade Williams

Pablo Fanque’s Fantastic Fair

A culmination of workshops for young people using movement, writing, drama and media to boost wellbeing and confidence with the overarching theme of Black British history, exploring Black British figures, such as the first Black British circus owner Pablo Fanque, with a view to honouring them in a creative way.

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By Caitlin Gleeson

One Foot In Front Of The Other

A collection of six short thematic audio pieces that will explore health and wellbeing through the lens of walking, based on Caitlin’s own recovery journey from Long Covid.

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