Oldham Coliseum Theatre has announced its first production is coming to the park this summer as the company starts its 'new chapter' without a home.

While the Fairbottom Street theatre currently stands empty and its future lies in the hands of Oldham Council, the new £24m theatre space isn't expected to open until 2026.

In the interim, the Oldham Coliseum Theatre company is tasked with the challenge of delivering theatre on lower income and without a permanent home to operate from.

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However, bosses are determined to start the company's "new chapter" positively - and have already announced a free family-friendly project is coming this August bank holiday weekend.

Joining forces with Oldham-based Stand and Be Counted Theatre, the duo are staging "Secret Summer", an immersive audio adventure in Alexandra Park and Dunwood Park on Saturday, August 26, and Sunday, August 27.

The two parks are set to be transformed into a trail, inspired by and co-created with children seeking sanctuary, such as refugees, asylum seekers and new migrants.

In Secret Summer, families can join furry characters, squirrels, butterflies, unicorns and beetles, to roam through the park and follow along a story created by the Syrian writer, Anan Tello.

Those hoping to participate can download the sound app Echoes on Apple Store or Google Play, which uses geolocation to guide families around the park and narrate the story in either English or Arabic.

There are real-life surprises to be found along the way to "uncover the secrets of the park".

After enjoying the story, there's the opportunity for a "special selfie" with selfie frames - and an activity pack up for grabs.

The announcement comes as the council secured Arts Council funding to deliver a cultural programme across the borough until the new theatre building opens in three years' time.

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Oldham Coliseum Theatre will receive £450,000 from this funding to specifically produce, commission, create, deliver and develop a new business model.

Duncan Craig, chairman of Oldham Coliseum Theatre, said: "Building on Chris Lawson’s legacy, our previous CEO/artistic director, this is the first step in a new chapter for the Coliseum.

“As I have previously said, we are fully committed to working with a whole load of partners in Oldham and beyond to deliver high-quality theatrical experiences for local audiences in Oldham and inviting theatregoers from across Greater Manchester to join us, as we start reimagining our organisation from the ground up.

“I genuinely can’t wait to experience Secret Summer with communities in Oldham and I will be there in the park as a volunteer with others, so please come say hi, it's going to be great."

Rosie MacPherson, artistic director and joint CEO at SBC Theatre, added: “We’re really excited to bring the Secret Summer adventure to Oldham.

“We are incredibly proud of this project, which we co-created with your Youth Theatre of Sanctuary - young people from around the world between three to 15 who now call the UK their home.

“Their talent, innovation and creativity is incredibly inspiring, and we can’t wait to see what audiences at Alexandra and Dunwood parks think of it.

"Bring your adventurous side."

Council leader, Cllr Arooj Shah, added: “It’s exciting to see Oldham Coliseum Theatre working with Oldham-based Stand and Be Counted to bring fun for families to enjoy over the bank holiday weekend.

“The funding Oldham Coliseum Theatre received is part of the £1.8m funding the council secured from Arts Council England, and we're so pleased to see it put to good use."

The council leader said the arts are "part of our heritage in Oldham" and that she hopes to see more arts, cultural events and activities across the borough - "not just this year but for the next three years".

She said: "The funding will deliver just that, while the work to build the new theatre is well underway.

"I’m also delighted that our parks take centre stage for these events – we have more than 30 in the borough, and I encourage everyone to visit their local parks and green spaces.”

On Saturday, August 26, participants are invited to meet at The Boathouse Cafe in Alexandra Park at 12pm.

On Sunday, August 27, meet at The Woodlands Cafe in Dunwood Park, Shaw, at 12pm.

Each story walk will begin at 12pm, 1pm and 2pm, lasting approximately 45 minutes.

Booking is not required.

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