TALENTED ACTORS will tread the boards at a popular Dobcross pub next month to showcase the best in new writing and emerging talent.
The Swan Inn was approached by the Oldham Coliseum to co-present two plays – ‘Safe Mode’ and ‘7 Veils: An evening with Mata Hari’ – as part of their ‘First Break Festival’.
Tucked away upstairs in The Swan is a dazzling theatre room, complete with bar, stage and lighting where the actors will come to life in front of around 60 spectators.
Tim Newbold, who runs the pub with Michael Powis, explained: “Most people love it when they see shows here. It’s such an intimate setting and the actors love that connection with the audience too.
“We’ve never linked up with the Coliseum before. We were delighted to be asked by Richard Hall, their Head of Participation.”
‘Safe Mode’ will be staged on Monday, March 9 and tells the tale of a distant dystopia where Mia is forced to confront her future, her actions and herself.
Charlie Mortimer, who was measuring up the room for the production, said: “The play is a journey of discovery but it is also really clever and humorous.”
Then on Tuesday, March 10 spend an evening with a notorious exotic dancer turned double agent for ‘7 Veils: An evening with Mata Hari’.
The brand new solo show captures the story of Lady Margaretha Zelle MacLeod, better known as Mata Hari, who was executed by firing squad in 1917.
Michael said: “We’ve got a play set in the future and one in the past so it’s a good balance.
“We have this great space upstairs that a lot of people still don’t know is here and we want to use it as much as we can.”
Up next at The Swan is ‘An (Adult) Evening with legendary comedian Billy Pearce on Wednesday, March 25 then on Wednesday, APRIL 15 is The Jimmy Cricket Laughter Show, with proceeds to France House Children’s Hospice.
Tickets for ‘Safe Mode’ and ‘7 Veils: An evening with Mata Hari’ are on sale at The Swan, priced at £7 each, or online: www.wegottickets.com/Dobcross
The First Break Festival at Oldham Coliseum runs from March 9-14. Find out more: www.coliseum.org.uk
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