Coliseum announces full cast for 'The Engagement Party'
Oldham Coliseum Theatre Ltd has announced the cast and creative team for its newly-commissioned production 'The Engagement Party', a play set in and inspired by Oldham. The show features Northern actors and musicians, including live performances by Manchester’s Untold Orchestra. The production aims to celebrate local talent and community involvement, with opportunities for local participation and discounted tickets for community groups.
Northern talent takes center stage in Oldham this February as the Coliseum Theatre unveils its ensemble cast for the world premiere of “The Engagement Party,” a locally-rooted production celebrating Greater Manchester’s creative spirit.
The immersive theatrical experience, running February 18-22, 2025 at Queen Elizabeth Hall, features Connor Darren-James and Marucia Ferreira as engaged couple Zack and Sofia, alongside Jo Gerard, Andrea Crewe, and Samir Arrian as the trio of Elders who guide audiences through the celebration. Evanya Taylor completes the principal cast as Daphne, with Sid Akbar as Bilal, as additional performers remain to be announced.
Up-and-coming playwright Afshan D’Souza-Lodhi crafted the piece specifically for Oldham, collaborating with Creative Director Amanda Huxtable to transform the venue into an authentic engagement celebration where theatergoers sit among the action. The production takes an unexpected turn when the betrothed couple’s tardiness sparks tensions between gathered friends and family, leaving audiences to discover whether love can bridge their divides.
Manchester’s acclaimed Untold Orchestra provides the evening’s live soundtrack, with musicians Zee Mehdizadeh, Oliver Lamb, Jon Needham, and Faz Shah performing under Musical Director Sam Davies. “I’m really excited for this special collaboration between musicians from the Untold Orchestra and the incredible cast we’ve got - it’s going to be magical,” Davies said.
The production extends beyond professional performers, inviting local residents to join a Community Company while reserving 20 percent of tickets for neighborhood groups. “Oldham is a great storytelling town and our cast can’t wait to share this special production,” Huxtable noted. “What we are creating is more than a play, it’s a celebration for everyone!”
Tickets for the seven-performance run, recommended for ages 8 and up, are available now through the Coliseum’s website with pay-what-you-choose pricing starting at £10.
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