Theatre fans are being asked to pay £15 for a stranger's seat so someone who could not otherwise afford it can see Macbeth in Oldham this autumn.

The "Pay It Forward" campaign was launched by local actor Julie Hesmondhalgh, who is the Coliseum's new Guest Curator. It raised more than £1,000 in its first 24 hours.

Donations will be used to provide free and pay-what-you-can tickets through community groups across Oldham. A concessionary ticket costs £15.

Julie said: "As we launch our new production of Macbeth, we are hoping to enable audience members who cannot afford a ticket to come along." She asked people who can to "bring someone with you" by donating £15.

Oldham Coliseum Theatre's new production of Macbeth will be staged at Liquid & Envy in the town centre. The Coliseum is now producing shows at temporary and site-specific venues around Oldham while restoration continues on its historic home on Fairbottom Street.

The campaign follows Julie's involvement in the "Save the Coliseum" campaign three years ago, alongside her husband, screenwriter Ian Kershaw, after the Arts Council withdrew its funding.

Directed by Creative Director Nick Bagnall, Macbeth will run from Friday, October 23 to Saturday, November 7, with press night on Tuesday, October 27. The 150-seat production stars Andrew Sheridan as Macbeth and Erin Shanagher as Lady Macbeth.