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Oldham Creatives Take Cilla-Inspired Comedy on Tour, with Dates Selling Fast
Surprise Surprise! He’s got all the moves and knows all the words. Introducing Cilla Black’s biggest fan and Saturday Night Television’s next biggest star … it’s Damien Dunkerly!
Oldham Coliseum Theatre presents the world premiere of 'You're My World' a new show by Mark Newsome (from hit-TV series SCREW and Greater Manchester Town Of Culture Ambassador 2026 for Oldham) & award-winning playwright Sarah Nelson (BBC Northern Voices and Oldham Theatre Workshop).
Reaching for the stars, shattered dreams and following your heart - this sparkling comedy drama follows the life of Damien Dunkerly who dreams of being the next greatest Saturday Night Telly host and of following in the footsteps of his idol Cilla. Named one to watch following a hit performance at the Year 6 talent show: his Nana Doreen believes he’s a star but his arch nemesis from school Suzy McKenzie’s not so sure...
Thirty-five-year-old Damien is an Oldham lad who has been sheltered by his nan from the realities off the world. The show sees Damien's life unfold, as he gradually realises that aspects of his own identity are built on stories that may not be true, reflecting broader themes of belonging, class and self-understanding.
He’s packed his glittery jacket and is ready to set off and come face to face with his greatest role yet: taking centre stage in his own story. Join us for high energy evening celebrating joyful defiance, being different from the rest and proud of where you come from.
You’re My World has been developed through Newsome and Nelson’s inaugural Artist in Residence programme at Oldham Coliseum Theatre, part of the theatre’s commitment to artist development. The idea for the show first took shape through another Coliseum artist development initiative, Bloom, which Newsome and Nelson took part in during 2024. The programme offered tailored mentorship, peer support and dedicated time to explore and develop their creative practice. Oldham Coliseum Theatre is delighted that You’re My World has been created in Oldham, celebrating local talent and creative roots. The production showcases an actor born and raised in Oldham, alongside a writer and director who has been creating work in the town for 30 years.
You’re My World will tour venues across Oldham, with performances at Oldham Theatre Workshop, Working Men’s Clubs and bars throughout the borough.
About Mark Newsome
Mark Newsome is a talented actor hailing from Oldham, Greater Manchester. Born into a working-class family, Mark’s gift for acting developed during his teenage years at Oldham Theatre Workshop. He went onto train at National Youth Theatre, followed by Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff, Wales. Amongst his career highlights was the critically acclaimed one-man show, ‘Blackpool, What a Shit Place to Die’. This compelling performance explores Mark’s journey towards self-acceptance, touching on themes of sexuality, autism, and personal battles with addiction. Mark has also graced our screens playing the prisoner Streaky in the popular Channel 4 drama series, Screw. Beyond acting, Mark shines as a gifted comedian, adding humour and depth to his portfolio.
Mark has just been named a Greater Manchester Town of Culture 2026 Ambassador after being nominated by Oldham Coliseum Theatre. He is also an ambassador for The Kings Trust, and works with both CALM and MIND, two charities for which he has helped raise a significant amount of money.
About Sarah Nelson
Sarah Nelson is an award-winning playwright, director and theatre-maker from Greater Manchester. In 2019 she was selected as one of the BBC’s Northern Voices and received an INSPIRE Award for Women in Arts and Film. In the same year, her acclaimed play Letter to Boddah won the Broadway Baby Bobby Award for Best Theatre Show at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Sarah is an Associate Artist at Oldham Theatre Workshop, where she has written numerous original plays and musicals for young people and family audiences. Her work is known for its warmth, humour, distinctive northern voice and commitment to telling stories that place community and human connection at their heart.
Recent and current productions include Heist School Musical for Oldham Theatre Workshop and All the Small Things for M6 Theatre, alongside a wide range of productions created in collaboration with composer James Atherton. Her work spans intimate drama, musical theatre and family productions, consistently championing authentic working-class voices and accessible storytelling.
You’re My World – dates and venues
Friday 6 November – Oldham Theatre Workshop, The JR Clynes Building, Oldham, OL1 1DN SOLD OUT
Tuesday 10 November – Billy’s Bar, Poplar St, Failsworth, Manchester, M35 0HY
Wednesday 11 November – Greenfield Cricket Club, Ladhill Lane, Greenfield, OL3 7JW SOLD OUT
Thursday 12 November – North Chadderton Social & Bowling Club, Broadway, Chadderton, OL9 0EL
Thursday 19 November – The Cartshaft Social Club, 10 St Mary’s Gate, Shaw, Oldham, OL2 8AE
Friday 20 November – Oldham Theatre Workshop, The JR Clynes Building, Oldham, OL1 1DN SOLD OUT
All shows start at 7:30pm
Tickets from £5
