Live@TheLibrary returns to Oldham with exciting new programme for all ages

IT WOULD be a tragedy if you missed Oldham Council Libraries’ Live@theLibrary programme…

A host of has Shakespearean and Greek plays, bestselling authors, cutting edge theatre and afternoon talks make up season, running for the second time from January to April.

More than 30 events will take place in the newly refurbished Performance Space at Oldham Library.

To mark the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s death, Box Clever Theatre present an accessible and contemporary telling of love story ‘Romeo and Juliet’.

Powerful performances of ‘Medea’, ‘The Oddity’ and highly-acclaimed one-woman play ‘My Brilliant Divorce’ will also leave audiences amazed.

Literary lovers can be inspired by the visits of highly-respected female authors Val McDermid, Carol Ann Lee, Catherine Hall and Irma Kurtz.

And every month until April the Performance Space will also host a classic family film at the popular Small Cinema.

During February half-term children can enjoy a unique show involving superheroes and catching tadpoles, called ‘Tadpoles’, and ride a magic carpet to a universe full of laughter, danger and wonder with Arabian Days and Nights.

Councillor Barbara Brownridge, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Cooperatives, said: “Oldham Library has established itself as not only a community hub but also as a quality cultural venue.

“The variety of events is incredible and for all ages to enjoy. I urge residents to come along to discover a world of drama, poetry and storytelling at its finest – all at an affordable price.”

Tickets for all events are £5 (£4 for library members) and are available by visiting www.oldham.gov.uk/liveatthelibrary. You can also contact the Oldham Coliseum Theatre Box Office direct on 0161 624 2829.

Please find below the full programme of events (all 7pm performances and take place at Oldham Library, unless stated):

Handa’s Hen (February 3 – 10am, 11.30am and 1.30pm performances)
Join Handa and Akeyo on another exciting adventure. In their search for Grandma’s black hen Mondi, they find two fluttery butterflies round the hen house, three stripy mice under the grain store, four little lizards behind the pots. But where is Mondi? Ages 2+

My Brilliant Divorce (February 4)
Hayley Johnson performs this highly acclaimed one-woman play, originally played in the West End by Dawn French. Middle-aged Angela attempts to find a new life when husband Max leaves her for a younger woman. Using a wonderful mixture of comedy and pathos, she recounts her journey back to happiness.

Laughter Yoga (February 10 – 12noon) Free
Combining laughter exercises with mindful breathing provides an empowering way of learning to create positive results in all areas.

Tadpoles (February 17 – 10am and 1pm performances)
A tadpole catching competition challenges a superhero duo to overcome rivalry and harness their strengths. Working as a team, can they save the world… together? Ages 5+

Arabian Nights and Days (February 19 – 7pm – and February 20 – 2pm)
Ride the magic carpet to a universe full of laughter, danger and wonder! Trick an evil genie, mix magic potions, open the door that hides the secrets of the world and teach a parrot to become your personal spy! Enjoy a show that is both hilarious and moving. Ages 10+

Medea (February 25)
Manchester based Crystallize Theatre perform this modern re-telling of the classical Greek tragedy. Centred on a wife’s calculated desire for revenge against her unfaithful husband, this will have you on the edge of your seat.

Chip Shop Chips (March 2)
You’re invited to the grand reopening of Booth’s Fish n Chip Shop. Eric has returned home, over forty years after he left, and it’s time for a fresh start. But old flame Christine has other ideas. This is theatre, but not as you know it: dinner, dance and a show all rolled into one.

Important information when booking: This is a dining experience and your ticket price includes fish and chips or cheese and onion pie and chips. Please select your choice when booking.

Val McDermid (March 7) Free
Make an appointment with the Queen of psychological crime drama. Val McDermid has sold over 10 million copies of her books worldwide. Among her many awards are the Portico Prize for Fiction, the LA Times Book Prize, the Lambda Literary Pioneer Award and the Cartier Diamond Dagger.

Emotional Bank Manager (March 9 – 12noon) FREE
Vera Walters has helped many people including major disaster survivors, the terminally ill, police officers, doctors, nurses, soldiers and victims of serious crime. Vera will be signing copies of her books.

Romeo and Juliet (March 10 – 10.30am)
To mark the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s death, Box Clever Theatre weave modern day language and Shakespeare’s classic text to present an accessible and contemporary telling of one of the greatest love stories ever told.

Watch Out, We’re About (March 15-17 – 11am and 2pm performances on all days)
Hunt for tigers, find bears, lose treasure, explore caves, hide from pirates, cast spells and much, much more with University Campus Oldham performance students. This interactive play session takes place in the newly refurbished children’s library. Ages 5 and under.

The Broke ‘N’ Beat Collective (March 22 at 7pm – March 23 at 5pm and 7pm)
Enjoy a very special and unique mash up of hip-hop, theatre and puppetry which bringings together four amazing artists: beat-boxer Hobbit, b-boy LoGisTics singer/ rapper Elektric, and the puppeteer Mohsen to form The Broke ‘N’ Beat Collective. Gripping tales, transfixing poetry and hip-hop puppetry like you’ve never seen before.

The Human Touch (April 7)
Explore the care system through the eyes of the cared and their carers. The Human Touch Theatre Company present three moving, funny and inspiring journeys, the play ultimately asks: who cares for who?

Care Takers (April 13)
Ms Lawson, a new teacher at St Margaret’s High, believes Jamie Harrow is being bullied because he’s gay. She wants to help, but Mrs Rutter, the Deputy Head, seems to think it will sort itself out. Care Takers is a ‘battle royale’ between youthful potential and idealism and the system that evolves to choke it’ with an explosive outcome.

Carol Ann Lee (April 16 – 2pm)
The highly-acclaimed author of eleven books, including biographies of Myra Hindley, Ruth Ellis and Anne Frank, visits Oldham Library.

Girl’s Night in with Catherine Hall and Irma Kurtz (April 21) Free
Catherine Hall, author of Proof of Love and winner of the Green Carnation Prize, and Irma Kurtz, Cosmopolitan’s agony aunt for forty years, will share their fascinating stories.

The Oddity (April 29 – 1pm and 7pm performances)
Writer Rose van Leyenhorst presents a contemporary exploration of Homer’s The Odyssey as we join Tilly, a young girl on her epic and fantastical quest to find her father.

The Small Cinema (all at 2pm)
Song of the Sea (January 23), Lady and the Tramp (February 13), Inside Out (March 26) and Gnomeo and Juliet (April 23). Tickets £3.50 each – includes goodie bag for children with drink, popcorn and treat. Book at www.thesmallcinema.com or pay in person at Gallery Oldham’s reception desk. Advance booking is recommended.