Site-specific A Christmas Fair to play in Oldham

Oldham Coliseum Theatre will stage a new production of A Christmas Fair.

Jim Cartwright’s festive piece will be revived in association with Not Too Tame.

Described as an “immersive, site-specific production,” it’ll be staged in Oldham’s Chadderton Town Hall, and will be directed by Jimmy Fairhurst. It follows five people as they prepare to set up the annual Christmas fair.

The cast features John Henshaw, Samantha Robinson and Dickson Tyrell, with further casting to be announced.

Open auditions will be held on 6 October, and the company is seeking “two performers who have some form of professional training or have already earned professional credits.”

Fairhurst added: “We welcome and encourage performers from all backgrounds and abilities – especially those who are working-class or have protected characteristics. We’re passionate about representing real people and telling stories with heart, humour and guts.”

On the creative team, the associate director is Kayleigh Hawkins, the designer is Jen McGinley, the lighting designer is Benny Goodman, the sound designer is Jack Baxter, the movement director is Annie-Lunette Deakin-Foster and the music supervisor and composer is Benjamin Holder.

Martina Murphy, CEO of Oldham Coliseum Theatre, said: “Christmas at the Coli has always been at the heart of our theatre, and we’re pleased to be keeping that tradition alive. During this time of transformation, as we prepare to return to our newly refurbished home next year, it has been fantastic to form a new partnership with Not Too Tame whose work resonates with our desire to interact more with our audiences.

“As we look ahead to a bright, exciting future, we continue to explore creative opportunities and find new ways of bringing theatre to the people of Oldham. Staging A Christmas Fair, written by the inimitable Jim Cartwright in Chadderton Town Hall is the perfect setting to bring Jim’s characters to life in the most joyful and somewhat unruly manner.”

Fairhurst added: “I’ve always believed theatre should be fearless, fun and rooted in the lives of everyday people. Being invited to be part of Oldham Coliseum’s history is a delight and working with Jim Cartwright – the Paul McCartney of theatre – is an honour.

“His plays told me as a young man that this industry could be for me. It’s my responsibility now to make sure that my work does the same for others. His words sing with humour, grit and humanity, and directing his work at Christmas feels incredibly special. This show is about resilience, celebration and togetherness – values that feel more vital than ever.”

A Christmas Fair will run from 17 December 2025 to 2 January 2026.