Jump on ‘bard’ to celebrate 400 years since Shakespeare died

TO BE or not to be? That is the question… or you could just visit Oldham Town Centre this month to celebrate the works of arguably Britain’s most famous writer.

On Saturday, April 23 Oldham will be commemorating 400 years since the death of William Shakespeare and celebrating his legacy.

All the world’s a stage so the town centre will be transported back to the 1600s, to the reign of Elizabeth I when theatre was enjoyed in streets and yards.

Enjoy street theatre with Oldham Theatre Workshop whose Strolling Players will be acting out some of The Bard’s most famous plays throughout the day.

And all the men and women are merely players so why not Come along to Oldham Library and entertain the crowds as you bring your favourite piece of Shakespeare to life.

Those adventurous enough to give it a try will receive a free ticket to Oldham Theatre workshop’s production of Romeo and Juliet. The fun takes place in the Performance Space, Greaves Street, Oldham OL1 1AL from 11am until 2pm.

The tragic tale of Shakespeare’s famous star-crossed lovers has been adapted for audiences young and old.

So the Small Cinema is introducing youngsters to the timeless love story with a screening of the animated film Gnomeo and Juliet (U) in The Performance Space at 2pm (cost £3.50).

Then Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo and Juliet (12), a highly acclaimed version, set in the modern day will be shown at 7pm (cost £3.50).

For more information about the day go online.