The entire run of a production of Macbeth set to be held in Oldham's last remaining nightclub has been cancelled due to 'unforeseen circumstances'.
Earlier this summer, it was announced that a 'radical' new take on Shakespeare's play was to be held inside the Liquid & Envy nightclub, on Retiro Street, from October 23 to November 7 by the Oldham Coliseum Theatre.
Starring Mancunian actors Andrew Sheridan, who has appeared on Peaky Blinders, and Erin Shanagher, the production was led by creative director Nick Bagnall as part of his first show with the historic theatre group.
Cancellation and Refunds
It has now been announced that all performances of the production have been cancelled. The Manchester Evening News has reached out to promoters for more information over the cancellation.
It has also been confirmed that the intended first three productions of Macbeth, which had originally been scheduled for Friday, Saturday and Sunday (October 23-25), did not go ahead.
In a 'message to audiences' from Oldham Coliseum Theatre, ticketholders were told: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, the upcoming production of Macbeth has been cancelled. We are sorry to disappoint anyone who was planning to attend and for any inconvenience caused."
The statement added that ticketholders would be issued full refunds, which will come through automatically. The theatre team thanked people for their understanding of the situation.
Background of the Production
First announced in August, Bagnall's take on the historic play was set to relocate the tragedy to a 'gritty late-1970s world of gangsters, casinos and shifting social codes', being billed as 'closer to a night out than a night at the theatre'.
It has also been billed as one of Oldham Coliseum's 'most ambitious' productions since it began programming shows at temporary and site-specific venues outside of its original Fairbottom Street theatre, which closed in 2023 after losing out on vital Arts Council funding.
It was later announced that the beloved theatre would be rescued by Oldham Council, but invasive surveys and work since carried out discovered asbestos and other issues which have prolonged its reopening.
Current and Upcoming Productions
It is understood that the refurbishment of the original theatre is estimated to cost around £17m so far in order to deliver a 'high-quality and safe venue for the borough'. In the meantime, the theatre organisation has been hosting productions around the area in attempts to engage local audiences.
It is also currently running performances of The Hideout at Spindles Shopping Centre, whilst it also has upcoming productions set for venues including Oldham Sixth Form Gallery and Whittles. In December, the theatre will also host an evening with former Coronation Street actress and patron Julie Hesmondhalgh as she divulges in her time on Celebrity Traitors.
