Oldham Coliseum

A series about walking by Caitlin Gleeson. Supported by Oldham Coliseum Micro Commissions 2021 What do you think of when you think of walking? Hiking through a forest? Ambling around your local park with a friend? Popping to the shops in the rain? Marching through the streets with a placard, shouting? In March 2020, like many people, Caitlin was really poorly with covid. She’s still not back to normal but one of the things that’s kept her going ever since has been walking. One Foot In Front Of The Other is a series of four short audio pieces about walking. Join Caitlin to reflect on what walking has been like over the last year or so - how it’s changed, how it’s been painfully unchanging, and some of the things she’s seen, heard and found out along the way. As you listen, go out for a walk or a roll or a sit, or stay where you are and come on a walk with her instead. Episode 4 - with others In the final part of this series, Caitlin explores why walking with other people is so valuable, and takes us on a short march through the notion of walking as protest. A note on content: this episode discusses being ill with covid and being in pain. ------- Contains mild adult language. Creative team: Written and performed by Caitlin Gleeson   Original music and sound design by SHAR   Sound technician - Matt Williams All Oldham Coliseum Micro Commissions 2021 are free to access. If you would like to help the Coliseum to support more great artists to create work please consider making a donation to the theatre.

A series about walking by Caitlin Gleeson. Supported by Oldham Coliseum Micro Commissions 2021 What do you think of when you think of walking? Hiking through a forest? Ambling around your local park with a friend? Popping to the shops in the rain? Marching through the streets with a placard, shouting? In March 2020, like many people, Caitlin was really poorly with covid. She’s still not back to normal but one of the things that’s kept her going ever since has been walking. One Foot In Front Of The Other is a series of four short audio pieces about walking. Join Caitlin to reflect on what walking has been like over the last year or so - how it’s changed, how it’s been painfully unchanging, and some of the things she’s seen, heard and found out along the way. As you listen, go out for a walk or a roll or a sit, or stay where you are and come on a walk with her instead. Episode 3 - in the city In this episode, Caitlin reflects on growing to know and love Manchester through walking it, and how walking in cities sometimes isn’t fun, easy or safe. A note on content: this episode discusses being ill with covid and being in pain. There is also mention of street harassment, but not specific incidents or details. ------- Contains mild adult language. Creative team: Written and performed by Caitlin Gleeson  Original music and sound design by SHAR  Sound technician - Matt Williams All Oldham Coliseum Micro Commissions 2021 are free to access. If you would like to help the Coliseum to support more great artists to create work please consider making a donation to the theatre.

A series about walking by Caitlin Gleeson. Supported by Oldham Coliseum Micro Commissions 2021 What do you think of when you think of walking? Hiking through a forest? Ambling around your local park with a friend? Popping to the shops in the rain? Marching through the streets with a placard, shouting? In March 2020, like many people, Caitlin was really poorly with covid. She’s still not back to normal but one of the things that’s kept her going ever since has been walking. One Foot In Front Of The Other is a series of four short audio pieces about walking. Join Caitlin to reflect on what walking has been like over the last year or so - how it’s changed, how it’s been painfully unchanging, and some of the things she’s seen, heard and found out along the way. As you listen, go out for a walk or a roll or a sit, or stay where you are and come on a walk with her instead. Episode 2 - in nature In the second part of this series, come on a walk into nature to find out what happens when you stop rushing and start noticing more, and how access to nature isn’t always equal. A note on content: this episode discusses being ill with covid and being in pain. ------- Contains mild adult language. Creative team: Written and performed by Caitlin Gleeson   Original music and sound design by SHAR   Sound technician - Matt Williams All Oldham Coliseum Micro Commissions 2021 are free to access. If you would like to help the Coliseum to support more great artists to create work please consider making a donation to the theatre.

A series about walking by Caitlin Gleeson. Supported by Oldham Coliseum Micro Commissions 2021 What do you think of when you think of walking? Hiking through a forest? Ambling around your local park with a friend? Popping to the shops in the rain? Marching through the streets with a placard, shouting? In March 2020, like many people, Caitlin was really poorly with covid. She’s still not back to normal but one of the things that’s kept her going ever since has been walking. One Foot In Front Of The Other is a series of four short audio pieces about walking. Join Caitlin to reflect on what walking has been like over the last year or so - how it’s changed, how it’s been painfully unchanging, and some of the things she’s seen, heard and found out along the way. As you listen, go out for a walk or a roll or a sit, or stay where you are and come on a walk with her instead. Episode 1 - for wellbeing In this first episode, Caitlin introduces One Foot In Front of The Other and invites you on a journey with her. She looks at why walking is so good for us, and the challenges and joys of walking when you’re ill. A note on content: this episode discusses being ill with covid and being in pain. ------- Contains mild adult language. Creative team: Written and performed by Caitlin Gleeson   Original music and sound design by SHAR   Sound technician - Matt Williams All Oldham Coliseum Micro Commissions 2021 are free to access. If you would like to help the Coliseum to support more great artists to create work please consider making a donation to the theatre.

A series of four short audio dramas suitable for children, families and seasoned giant spotters. Supported by Oldham Coliseum Micro Commissions 2021 Episode 4 - Winter Alderman is left to navigate a cruel winter alone after a devastating confrontation with Alphin. Download the A Tale of Two Giants Resource pack here A Tale of Two Giants is the story of Alphin and Alderman: a pair of big-hearted best friends whose peaceful life in the Saddleworth countryside is disturbed by the arrival of a very unusual fish. Over the course of four short audio dramas, we follow a year of gigantic upheaval in the Chew Valley – from the promise of a new Spring to the coldest Winter these old giants can remember. Suitable for children, families and seasoned giant spotters, A Tale of Two Giants is a celebration of friendship and the natural beauty on Oldham’s doorstep. Each episode is accompanied by a suggested walking route, which brings the story to life by retracing Alphin and Alderman’s ginormous footsteps. A Tale of Two Giants is inspired by and offers a fun, contemporary reimagining of the Saddleworth folktale of Alphin and Alderman, and the poem Greenfield (1780) by Samuel Bottomley. Creative Team Written and performed by Tori Burgess With music and original songs by Jake Fletcher Artwork by Lizzie Rigby Directed by Sushil Chudasama Recorded and edited by Matt Williams With thanks to: Phil Kennedy, Elizabeth Southall, Isobel McArthur, Antony Szmierek and the Saddleworth landscape for its endless inspiration All Oldham Coliseum Micro Commissions 2021 are free to access. If you would like to help the Coliseum to support more great artists to create work please consider making a donation to the theatre.

A series of four short audio dramas suitable for children, families and seasoned giant spotters. Supported by Oldham Coliseum Micro Commissions 2021 Episode 3 - Autumn Everything becomes a giant competition between the old friends as they compete for Rimmon’s attention. Download the A Tale of Two Giants Resource pack here A Tale of Two Giants is the story of Alphin and Alderman: a pair of big-hearted best friends whose peaceful life in the Saddleworth countryside is disturbed by the arrival of a very unusual fish. Over the course of four short audio dramas, we follow a year of gigantic upheaval in the Chew Valley – from the promise of a new Spring to the coldest Winter these old giants can remember. Suitable for children, families and seasoned giant spotters, A Tale of Two Giants is a celebration of friendship and the natural beauty on Oldham’s doorstep. Each episode is accompanied by a suggested walking route, which brings the story to life by retracing Alphin and Alderman’s ginormous footsteps. A Tale of Two Giants is inspired by and offers a fun, contemporary reimagining of the Saddleworth folktale of Alphin and Alderman, and the poem Greenfield (1780) by Samuel Bottomley. Creative Team Written and performed by Tori Burgess With music and original songs by Jake Fletcher Artwork by Lizzie Rigby Directed by Sushil Chudasama Recorded and edited by Matt Williams With thanks to: Phil Kennedy, Elizabeth Southall, Isobel McArthur, Antony Szmierek and the Saddleworth landscape for its endless inspiration All Oldham Coliseum Micro Commissions 2021 are free to access. If you would like to help the Coliseum to support more great artists to create work please consider making a donation to the theatre.

A series of four short audio dramas suitable for children, families and seasoned giant spotters. Supported by Oldham Coliseum Micro Commissions 2021 Episode 2 - Summer Alphin and Alderman’s peaceful life is turned upside down by the arrival of a very unusual fish. Download the A Tale of Two Giants Resource pack here A Tale of Two Giants is the story of Alphin and Alderman: a pair of big-hearted best friends whose peaceful life in the Saddleworth countryside is disturbed by the arrival of a very unusual fish. Over the course of four short audio dramas, we follow a year of gigantic upheaval in the Chew Valley – from the promise of a new Spring to the coldest Winter these old giants can remember. Suitable for children, families and seasoned giant spotters, A Tale of Two Giants is a celebration of friendship and the natural beauty on Oldham’s doorstep. Each episode is accompanied by a suggested walking route, which brings the story to life by retracing Alphin and Alderman’s ginormous footsteps. A Tale of Two Giants is inspired by and offers a fun, contemporary reimagining of the Saddleworth folktale of Alphin and Alderman, and the poem Greenfield (1780) by Samuel Bottomley. Creative Team Written and performed by Tori Burgess With music and original songs by Jake Fletcher Artwork by Lizzie Rigby Directed by Sushil Chudasama Recorded and edited by Matt Williams With thanks to: Phil Kennedy, Elizabeth Southall, Isobel McArthur, Antony Szmierek and the Saddleworth landscape for its endless inspiration All Oldham Coliseum Micro Commissions 2021 are free to access. If you would like to help the Coliseum to support more great artists to create work please consider making a donation to the theatre.

A series of four short audio dramas suitable for children, families and seasoned giant spotters. Supported by Oldham Coliseum Micro Commissions 2021 Episode 1 - Spring Meet Alphin and Alderman: a pair of big-hearted best friends and Saddleworth’s resident giants. Download the A Tale of Two Giants Resource pack here A Tale of Two Giants is the story of Alphin and Alderman: a pair of big-hearted best friends whose peaceful life in the Saddleworth countryside is disturbed by the arrival of a very unusual fish. Over the course of four short audio dramas, we follow a year of gigantic upheaval in the Chew Valley – from the promise of a new Spring to the coldest Winter these old giants can remember. Suitable for children, families and seasoned giant spotters, A Tale of Two Giants is a celebration of friendship and the natural beauty on Oldham’s doorstep. Each episode is accompanied by a suggested walking route, which brings the story to life by retracing Alphin and Alderman’s ginormous footsteps. A Tale of Two Giants is inspired by and offers a fun, contemporary reimagining of the Saddleworth folktale of Alphin and Alderman, and the poem Greenfield (1780) by Samuel Bottomley. Creative Team Written and performed by Tori Burgess With music and original songs by Jake Fletcher Artwork by Lizzie Rigby Directed by Sushil Chudasama Recorded and edited by Matt Williams With thanks to: Phil Kennedy, Elizabeth Southall, Isobel McArthur, Antony Szmierek and the Saddleworth landscape for its endless inspiration All Oldham Coliseum Micro Commissions 2021 are free to access. If you would like to help the Coliseum to support more great artists to create work please consider making a donation to the theatre.

The Coliseum joined forces with TripleC and DANC (Disabled Artist Networking Community) to commission, produce and present short audio plays by writers who are part of DANC, based on the theme of ‘Distance’. TripleC is a disabled led arts organisation that creates projects to break down the barriers for people with disabilities accessing the arts. DANC is the professional strand of TripleC that champions solution focussed events, workshops and conversations between disabled artists and key industry decision makers to increase representation, inclusivity and employment of disabled artists in the arts and media sector. Our three selected plays take us from the dancefloor through the phoneline to the great wide galaxy, giving us a glimpse at the world inspired by the writers’ real-life experiences. All actors cast in the episode are also members of DANC. #DistancebyDANC _________________  1. Introduction from Artistic Director Chris Lawson   2. Personal Space by Adam Fenton Read by: Milton Lopes as Sam Adam said: “During lockdown I, like many people, have been experiencing anxiety about leaving the house. To counteract this I’ve been doing a lot of writing to keep my mind occupied, so when I saw the opportunity to write for the Coliseum’s Mini-Podcast Series I knew I wanted to submit something. I played with a few ideas around the theme but I was struggling and couldn’t settle on anything I was really happy with. With an hour to go before submissions closed I suddenly realised what I should be writing about. Instead of trying to distract from my anxiety I should explore it through writing and combine it with something that gives me comfort; space! It was down to the wire, but I managed to write Personal Space and submit it just before the deadline. The result was a piece a bit closer to the heart that I’m very happy with.”   3. From a Distance By Andrew Duffy Read by: Caron Rae-Brand as Nan and Fergus Rattigan as Andy Andrew said: “From a Distance was inspired by my daily conversations with my nan. She has dementia and lives in a care home in Romiley. Sadly, we lost my granddad, who also lived there, in February, but she is not aware he is no longer alive, as it would’ve been too hard for her. She says he is there and is often at work. She has had coronavirus whilst in the home, but was asymptomatic. She really enjoys our chats every day. As we are both shielding I was playing around with her interpretation of the word. Like everyone, I look forward to the day we can meet up and hug our loved ones again.”   4.  25 Metres From Salsa by Karen Featherstone Read by: Caron Rae-Brand as Sheila, Porcelain Delaney as Physio and Simon Startin as Alf Karen said: “25 Metres From Salsa is inspired by my experience of having a medication withheld until symptoms worsened. I wanted Alf to occupy that strange headspace in which he knows his condition must deteriorate in order for it to have the best chance of improving…” _________________ Learn more at: www.coliseum.org.uk/minipodcast-e04/ Launched on World Theatre Day 2020 (27 March), Oldham Coliseum's Mini-Podcast Series shares original works by people of all ages and backgrounds from the communities the theatre serves. The series features new works by well-known names, disabled artists, professional playwrights, emerging writers and young people from the local area.

Pop and Crisps is a short audio play written by Coliseum Supported Artist Sorcha McCaffrey. Saf hasn’t seen her dad for 20 years. All she remembers about him is his love of 80s music and Doritos. Her aunt said he went to Scotland. Linda over the road said he went to the North Pole. Her mum didn’t say anything. On the brink of making a life-changing decision, Saf arranges to meet him again. #PopandCrisps _________________ 1. Introduction from Artistic Director Chris Lawson 2. Pop and Crisps by Sorcha McCaffrey Read by:  Cora Kirk as Saf and William Travis as Shaun Directed by Chris Lawson Edited by Grant Archer _________________ Learn more at: www.coliseum.org.uk/minipodcast-e03/ Launched on World Theatre Day 2020 (27 March), Oldham Coliseum's Mini-Podcast Series shares original works by people of all ages and backgrounds from the communities the theatre serves. The series features new works by well-known names, disabled artists, professional playwrights, emerging writers and young people from the local area.

Oldham Coliseum's Learning and Engagement Department challenged people ages 21 and under to write a monologue, inspired by the UK lockdown, about a character’s once-daily trip out of the house. 'Off Out' Monologues features three of the monologues, chosen by our Learning and Engagement team Carly and Ben, performed by Oldham local actors and edited by Grant Archer. #OffOutMonologues _________________ 1. Introduction from Artistic Director Chris Lawson 2. Like Dad, Like Duck by Joe Walsh Read by Jake Talbot 3. A 60 Minute Adventure by Adele Barnes Read by Natasha Davidson 4. A Birthday in Quarantine by Freya Williams Read by Sona Nisa 5. Eight actors tell us their favourite joke _________________ Learn more at: www.coliseum.org.uk/minipodcast-e02/ Launched on World Theatre Day 2020 (27 March), Oldham Coliseum's Mini-Podcast Series shares original works by people of all ages and backgrounds from the communities the theatre serves. The series features new works by well-known names, disabled artists, professional playwrights, emerging writers and young people from the local area.

Launched on World Theatre Day 2020 (27 March), Oldham Coliseum's Mini-Podcast Series shares original works by people of all ages and backgrounds from the communities the theatre serves. The series features new works by well-known names, disabled artists, professional playwrights, emerging writers and young people from the local area. Episode 1: 100 Word Plays In 2019 Oldham Coliseum Theatre invited invited writers to submit new plays inspired by Oldham. There was one main rule, the plays had to be 100 words or less including stage direction. Throughout September 2019 we displayed the 100 Word Plays across the Coliseum in crafty and creative forms and places. Our first Mini-Podcast episode features 17 100 Word Plays from well-known writers alongside local emerging writers, performed by a cast of Greater Manchester based actors. #100WordPlays _________________ 1. Introduction from Artistic Director Chris Lawson 2. 1980 Swimming Lessons by Ian Kershaw Read by Darren Jeffries 3. At the Park by Adam Gent Read by John Askew 4. The Chippy by Francesca Waite Read by Catherine Morefield 5. First job – Benjamin Lees, Westwood by Violet Barrow Read by Rachel McMurray 6. Trouble at t’Mill by Karen Booth Read by Rachel McMurray and Catherine Morefield 7. Untitled by Clive Stubbings Read by Louisa May Parker (RedBobble Arts) and Martha Simon (RedBobble Arts) 8. Farewell by Pearl Andrews-Horrigan Read by Hafsah Aneela Bashir 9. Annie Kenney by Susan Wildman Read by Sorcha McCaffrey 10. Ghosts by Lindsey Williams Read by Rachel McMurray and Catherine Morefield 11. BACK TO THE DIGS AFTER A SHOW by Christine Mackie Read by Sorcha McCaffrey 12. If Walls Could Talk by C.S. Barrow Read by Darren Jeffries, Natalie Gavin and Jack Radcliffe 13. Stage Fright by Paul Bateson Read by John Askew 14. Throwing Clogs by Steve Greenhalgh Read by Sam Glen 15. The Sickest thing I’ve ever done by Charlotte O’Leary Read by Kelly Munro-Fawcett (RedBobble Arts) 16. Ticket Time by Jamie Walsh Read by Sam Glen 17. Who’s That by Amy Gavin Read by Rachel McMurray and Catherine Morefield 18. We are Annie by Julie Hesmondhalgh Read by Hafsah Aneela Bashir _________________ Learn more at: www.coliseum.org.uk/minipodcast-e01/