Novelist Louis de Bernières at the Millgate Arts Centre in Delph
Louis de Bernieres
Oldham Council is bringing an exciting array of theatre, literature and comedy this autumn for its latest Live@thelibrary programme.
More than 20 performances are taking place throughout September, October and November, at various venues around the borough – with the majority taking place in Oldham Library’s newly-refurbished performance space.
Broadcaster, writer and Parliamentarian Melvyn Bragg will be talking about his new book at The Grange Theatre, in Oldham, on Tuesday, November 10.
Oldham Council Libraries is also pleased to present an afternoon with novelist Louis de Bernières, well known for Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, at the Millgate Arts Centre, in Delph, Saddleworth, on Saturday, October 24.
Melvyn Bragg
Radical punk poet and folk musician Attila the Stockbroker will be playing his only Greater Manchester gig this year at Oldham Library.
The library welcomes back theatre company Colour the Clouds with their brand new show for children “Maggie and the Song of the Sea” and families can enjoy actor Anthony Pedley’s unique one man show performance of Roald Dahl’s The BFG, among others.
The library has established itself as not only a community hub, but also as a quality cultural venue.
Arts Council funding, totalling £101,724, has been spent upgrading the technical specification of the Performance Space and children’s area.
Councillor Barbara Brownridge, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Cooperatives, said: “Oldham Library has become much more than a place which lends books out – it’s become a popular and modern cultural venue that attracts not just local residents, but visitors from neighbouring authorities and beyond.
“Live@thelibrary is an exciting fixture in the calendar, enticing visits from renowned authors, theatre companies, comedians and poets.
“We believe this programme has something for all ages, showcasing a range of talent, 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. Tickets for Louis de Bernieres’ visit are also available at Delph Library.
Please find below the full programme of events (all evening performances and take place at Oldham Library, unless stated):
ALRA North present 1984 by George Orwell – September 17
ALRA North, (voted best drama school in 2013 by The Stage Newspaper) present Matthew Dunster’s adaptation of George Orwell’s classic novel 1984. In a world where cheap entertainment keeps the proles ignorant but content and the government is always watching, can Winston Smith hold onto what he feels inside?
Organised Chaos present Lightspeed – Thursday, October 8
When Emma and Charlie’s paths cross one day, it sets them on a shared journey of ideological fantasies and unrealistic realities. Told in reverse order this beguiling play questions whether love and fate can ever lead to true happiness.
Maggie and the Song of the Sea – Saturday, October 10 (morning and afternoon performances)
Colour The Clouds makes a welcome return with their brand new show for children. Maggie’s best friend is her Grandad. When he suddenly dies, Maggie’s music disappears and she must learn to adapt to a different kind of world to find it again.
A Taste of Honey – Thursday, October 15 (afternoon and evening performances)
Set in 1950’s Salford, the play tells the compelling story of seventeen year old Jo and her drunken mother Helen. A Taste Of Honey, provides a powerful commentary on mid-20th Century Britain and its obsession with class, race and gender.
Care Santos (free event) – Saturday, October 17
Spanish-born Care Santos introduces new novel “Desire for Chocolate”. Set in Barcelona, the book follows the fortunes of three women over three centuries who are all linked by chocolate.
Lip Service present The Hysterical History Show – Wednesday, October 21 (evening only) and Thursday, October 22 (afternoon and evening performances)
Oldham’s favourite comedy duo return to their stand up roots in a wacky whirlwind tour of Britain’s female national treasures. Meet amongst others, notorious gossip Mrs Gaskell and her timid friend Charlotte Bronte. Part sketch show, part pub quiz this show has all the ingredients of a fun night, (or afternoon!) out.
The BFG – Friday, October 23 (morning and afternoon performances) and Saturday, October 24 (morning and afternoon performances)
RSC and TV actor, Anthony Pedley, performs his unique one man version of Roald Dahl’s classic children’s book. This production is directed by David Wood who has adapted many of Roald Dahl’s books for the stage.
An afternoon with Louis de Bernières at Millgate Arts Centre – Saturday, October 24 (afternoon talk)
British novelist, renowned for his fourth novel Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, Louis de Bernieres will be discussing his first new novel in a decade, The Dust That Falls From Dreams. This latest novel is a sweeping story of love and loss in the Great War. Rosie McCosh and her sisters have a peaceful and happy childhood in Kent until the Edwardian age dissolves into chaos. They are forced to grow up quickly and salvage what happiness they can in a complicated new world. This is a fantastic opportunity to meet an international bestselling author.
The Box Of Tricks – Wednesday, October 28
Winner of the prestigious audience award at the 2014 Manchester 24:7 Theatre Festival, The Box Of Tricks, explores the intense relationship between two brothers, Mike and Sam. Through a series of flashbacks, the play uncovers the secrets that lie at the heart of the brother’s fraught relationship.
Melvyn Bragg – Saturday, November 10 at The Grange Arts Centre, Oldham
Broadcaster, writer and parliamentarian Melvyn Bragg, talks about his new book, Now Is The Time – a powerful novel about the Peasants’ Revolt of 1381 – the biggest rebellion in English History.
I Believe In Unicorns – Wednesday, November 11 (early and late afternoon performances)
Direct from the West End, international storyteller, Danyah Miller, brings her highly acclaimed version of Michael Morpurgo’s bestselling book for children. Tomas hates school, books and being dragged to the library by his mother. But his world is turned upside down the day he meets the Unicorn and the Unicorn Lady.
Amsterdam by Chanje Kunda – Thursday, November 12
Adapted from her book of poems, Amsterdam, actress and poet, Chanje Kunda performs a funny and compelling story of one woman’s search for love, exploring what happens when you abandon your responsibilities to chase your dreams.
Lord Arthur Saville’s Crime by Oscar Wilde – Thursday, November 19
Lord Arthur takes his marriage vows very seriously but when he has his fortune told just weeks before his wedding, his destiny cannot be ignored. This wonderful adaptation of Wilde’s classic mystery story is a delightful black comedy that positively fizzes with fun throughout.
Atilla The Stockbroker – Friday, November 20
Discovered by John Peel, radical performance poet and musician, Atilla The Stockbroker is celebrating 35 years of ranting verse. Playing his only Manchester gig in 2015 at Oldham Library, Atilla will be reading extracts from his newly published autobiography, Arguments Yard.
Author: Jude Gidney - Editor
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