GRANT ARCHER

In 2019 Oldham Coliseum Theatre invited invited writers to submit new plays inspired by Oldham. There was one main rule, the plays had to be 100 words or less including stage direction. Throughout September 2019 we displayed the 100 Word Plays across the Coliseum in crafty and creative forms and places. Our first Mini-Podcast episode features 17 of the 100 Word Plays from well-known writers alongside local emerging writers, performed by a cast of Greater Manchester based actors and edited by Grant Archer. #100WordPlays 1. Introduction from Artistic Director Chris Lawson 2. 1980 Swimming Lessons by Ian Kershaw Read by Darren Jeffries 3. At the Park by Adam Gent Read by John Askew 4. The Chippy by Francesca Waite Read by Catherine Morefield 5. First job – Benjamin Lees, Westwood by Violet Barrow Read by Rachel McMurray 6. Trouble at t’Mill by Karen Booth Read by Rachel McMurray and Catherine Morefield 7. Untitled by Clive Stubbings Read by Louisa May Parker (RedBobble Arts) and Martha Simon (RedBobble Arts) 8. Farewell by Pearl Andrews-Horrigan Read by Hafsah Aneela Bashir 9. Annie Kenney by Susan Wildman Read by Sorcha McCaffrey 10. Ghosts by Lindsey Williams Read by Rachel McMurray and Catherine Morefield 11. BACK TO THE DIGS AFTER A SHOW by Christine Mackie Read by Sorcha McCaffrey 12. If Walls Could Talk by C.S. Barrow Read by Darren Jeffries, Natalie Gavin and Jack Radcliffe 13. Stage Fright by Paul Bateson Read by John Askew 14. Throwing Clogs by Steve Greenhalgh Read by Sam Glen 15. The Sickest thing I’ve ever done by Charlotte O’Leary Read by Kelly Munro-Fawcett (RedBobble Arts) 16. Ticket Time by Jamie Walsh Read by Sam Glen 17. Who’s That by Amy Gavin Read by Rachel McMurray and Catherine Morefield 18. We are Annie by Julie Hesmondhalgh Read by Hafsah Aneela Bashir Learn more at: https://www.coliseum.org.uk/minipodcast-e01/

Oldham Coliseum's Learning and Engagement Department challenged people ages 21 and under to write a monologue, inspired by the UK lockdown, about a character’s once-daily trip out of the house. Episode 2 of our Mini Podcast Series features three of the ‘Off Out’ Monologues, chosen by our Learning and Engagement team Carly and Ben, performed by Oldham local actors and edited by Grant Archer. Following the three monologues eight actors whose voices you may well recognise tell us their favourite joke. #OffOutMonologues 1. Introduction from Artistic Director Chris Lawson 2. Like Dad, Like Duck by Joe Walsh Read by Jake Talbot 3. A 60 Minute Adventure by Adele Barnes Read by Natasha Davidson 4. A Birthday in Quarantine by Freya Williams Read by Sona Nisa 5. Eight actors tell us their favourite joke Learn more at: https://www.coliseum.org.uk/minipodcast-e02/

Pop and Crisps is a short audio play written by Coliseum Supported Artist Sorcha McCaffrey. Saf hasn’t seen her dad for 20 years. All she remembers about him is his love of 80s music and Doritos. Her aunt said he went to Scotland. Linda over the road said he went to the North Pole. Her mum didn’t say anything. On the brink of making a life-changing decision, Saf arranges to meet him again. #PopandCrisps 1. Introduction from Artistic Director Chris Lawson 2. Pop and Crisps by Sorcha McCaffrey Read by: Cora Kirk as Saf William Travis as Shaun Directed by Chris Lawson Edited by Grant Archer