YOU'RE INVITED TO THE ENGAGEMENT PARTY OF A LIFETIME WITH OUR BRAND-NEW PRODUCTION
We're delighted to announce The Engagement Party, a specially commissioned new production by up-and-coming Greater Manchester playwright afshan d'souza-lodhi set in, and inspired by, Oldham.
Meet nature loving lad and foodie, Zack, and Sofia, a passionate lass who loves the bright lights of the big city with her vegan burger. They first crossed paths in the unlikely location of a chicken shop in Oldham. As their relationship flourishes, so do their differences. Guests start to gather for their engagement and the couple are nowhere to be seen, tensions rise, and the crowd becomes restless. The live band and entertainment have to play on regardless! Will a heated showdown between friends and family lead to disaster?! Can love conquer all, or will their differences in diets and ambitions stop the promise of their love for the future?
Audiences will be greeted by the hosts of the party, a group of Elders, when they arrive in the space before being seated at tables as the performance unfolds around them. Featuring live music and special performances, this entertaining and immersive show will feature a talented professional cast joined by a Community Company. The Engagement Party will be filled with laughter, love, and the vibrant spirit of Oldham, celebrating us all.
The creative team includes Oldham writer Jake Talbot as script support, Designer Emma Williams and Musical Director Sam Davies. Full cast for the production will be announced soon.
Creative Director for the show Amanda Huxtable comments:
“I’m very proud to be the Creative Director of The Engagement Party by afshan d'souza lodhi, the brand new and latest production from Oldham Coliseum Theatre Ltd. It's a big production and we are all going for it! It’s made with love in mind and all the heartache, questions and unity it can bring. Me and the team including our talented cast joined by a special community cast can't wait for audiences to join in the fun and celebrations very soon.”
The production has been made with, for and by people in Oldham and Greater Manchester and the theatre is looking for people to be part of the Community Company that will perform in the show. For more information on how to get involved click here. As well as opportunities to perform, 20% of the tickets will be given to local community groups.
Oldham Coliseum Theatre Ltd is a charity, which since the closure of its Fairbottom Street base in 2023 has been producing and presenting a programme of theatre and creative opportunities for local people, including the popular Khushi Festival, a celebration of South Asian arts, and Culture and Chips, which brings together the local community to talk about arts and culture in their town. Our programme is supported by Oldham Council, Arts Council England and Greater Manchester Combined Authority.
Chair of the Board of Oldham Coliseum Theatre Ltd Martina Murphy comments
“We’re delighted to be producing new work and working with exciting theatre makers in Oldham. The Engagement Party is a special moment for us on our producing journey and we are thrilled to be working with the brilliantly talented Amanda Huxtable as the Creative Director and we’ve commissioned afshan d'souza lodhi, a writer from Greater Manchester to create something truly special that reflects our dedication to offering opportunities to northern and working class voices, this is reflected in our creative team and our dedication to training, development and community engagement which is built into everything we do.
We’ve been on a truly transformational journey as an organisation and we couldn’t do it without the genuine love and commitment of our audiences, our team, and our board. It’s a privilege to work with such invested partners and funders, who’ve ensured producing theatre thrives in Oldham for years to come. Thank you to Oldham Council, Arts Council England and Greater Manchester Combined Authority for keeping theatre in Oldham alive."
The Engagement Party will run for seven performances from Tuesday 18 until Saturday 22 February 2025 at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, Oldham. Tickets are now on sale with a Pay What You Choose option with prices starting from £10. The production is recommended for everyone aged 9 and over.
