Former Coronation Street stars Mollie Gallagher and Beth Nixon will reunite on stage as the Wicked Stepsisters in Cinderella, the first pantomime to be staged at Oldham's new venue The Loom. The show runs from December 11, 2026, to January 3, 2027.
New venue takes over the festive tradition
Oldham Coliseum had hosted annual festive pantomimes since 1887, often drawing in 30,000 people each year. However, the theatre's building on Fairbottom Street has not staged a pantomime since 2022, having closed due to financial pressures and then necessary repair works that are set to keep it closed until next year.
The Loom, named in homage to the borough's cottage heritage, opened its doors in March as part of a major £450m transformation of Oldham town centre. Located next to The Spindles shopping centre and above the new Oldham Market, the events space has capacity for up to 1,000 guests.
Cast and anniversary celebrations
Salford actress Mollie Gallagher played Nina Lucas on the ITV soap from 2019 until August this year, while Beth Nixon was known for her portrayal of Megan Walsh from November last year until this July. The Oldham show marks the next stage role for Gallagher, who made her professional theatre debut in the UK tour of Silence of the Lambs this year, including a recent run at The Lowry in Salford Quays.
The production will also star local legend Jeffrey Longmore, who is celebrating his 50th anniversary treading the panto boards this season, alongside Oldham favourite Kate Salmon, Adam Parker Brown, Caitlin McNally and Ryan Hall.
Tickets and special performances
Anton Benson of Anton Benson Productions, who have hosted Oldham's family pantomime for seven years, said: "We're thrilled to present the inaugural pantomime at the fantastic new venue The Loom this Christmas, and to entertain theatregoers of all ages with the greatest fairytale of them all."
Tickets are available via TicketSource, starting from £12.50 each before booking fees, with concessions, family and group tickets also available. A 'naughty adult only night' will take place on December 27 at 7pm.
