The Oldham Coliseum has delivered a poignant and triumphant festive offering with its production of Jim Cartwright's 'A Christmas Fair'. Staged at the temporary home of Chadderton Town Hall, this production marks a significant moment for the company, proving its resilience and enduring connection to its community.
A Story of Community and Resilience
Directed with warmth and clarity by Chris Lawson, the play transports audiences to a struggling Christmas fair in a northern town. The narrative centres on stallholders Val and Ken, portrayed with compelling authenticity by Samantha Robinson and Russell Richardson. Their performances anchor the production, blending humour with a deep undercurrent of melancholy as they confront personal loss and the relentless pressures of economic hardship.
The play is far from a saccharine seasonal tale. Instead, Cartwright crafts a sharp, compassionate look at working-class life, where the tinsel is frayed and the festive spirit is hard-won. The supporting ensemble, including a standout turn from Simeon Truby as the world-weary fairground owner Corky, brings a rich tapestry of characters to life, each grappling with their own dreams and disappointments.
A Triumphant Homecoming for the Coliseum
This production carries weight beyond its script. Following the Coliseum's well-publicised funding struggles and the loss of its original building, staging a show in Chadderton Town Hall was a bold move. The creative team, including designer Celia Perkins, has ingeniously transformed the municipal space. The staging is immersive, with the audience seated around a central acting area, drawing them directly into the world of the fair.
The success of 'A Christmas Fair' demonstrates the vital importance of regional theatre. It speaks directly to its local audience with authenticity and wit, while its themes of community solidarity and perseverance resonate universally. The production runs until Saturday 4 January, offering a powerful alternative to traditional pantomime.
More Than Just Festive Cheer
While filled with Cartwright's trademark lyrical dialogue and moments of genuine laughter, the play does not shy away from darkness. It tackles grief, financial anxiety, and the erosion of communal spaces with unflinching honesty. Yet, the overall effect is not one of despair, but of profound empathy and a celebration of the human spirit's stubborn sparkle.
The final moments are beautifully staged, offering a glimpse of magic and hope that feels earned rather than imposed. This production is a testament to the Oldham Coliseum's enduring mission and a heartening sign of its creative future. It is a compelling, beautifully acted piece of theatre that reaffirms the power of local stories told on a local stage.
