Win tickets to the Oldham Coliseum production of Maxine Peake's 'Beryl'

The Oldham Coliseum production of 'Beryl' opens this Saturday 7 May, and we've a pair of tickets to give away.

Written by actress Maxine Peake, Beryl tells the remarkable true story of unsung champion cyclist Beryl Burton.

Beryl is quite possibly the most successful woman you’ve never heard of.

As a child, doctors told Beryl that she could never take part in strenuous activities due to a heart condition. When she met future husband Charlie and he introduced her to the local cycling club, her life changed forever.

Proving that she could do anything she put her mind to, Beryl went on to become the greatest woman on two wheels, dominating the sport in the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s: five times world-pursuit champion, thirteen times national champion, twice road-racing world champion, twelve times national champion, British record-holder, world-record holder, MBE and OBE.

When Maxine Peake was given Beryl’s autobiography as a gift she questioned why no one had ever written a play about Britain’s unsung sporting legend, and so she wrote it herself.

Oldham Coliseum Theatre's production opens in Oldham from Saturday 7 - Saturday 21 May, then tours to Theatre by the Lake, Keswick, and The Dukes, Lancaster.

The production is directed by Coliseum Artistic Director Chris Lawson, designed by Irene Jade, with lighting design by Will Evans, sound design by Eliyana Evans and projection design by the theatre's Digital Associate Grant Archer.

Hopping on their bikes and each playing multiple roles are Tori Burgess (Olivier Award nominated 2022), James Lewis, Charlie Ryan and Elizabeth Twells.

Director Chris Lawson said: "Beryl Burton showed the world what you can do if you really dedicate yourself to achieving your goals. In her lifetime she didn't get the recognition she deserved, but now thanks to Maxine Peake's wonderful writing, she serves as an inspiration to a whole new generation of women and cyclists. I'm really proud to be sharing the story of this strong Yorkshire-woman across the North West".

To be in with a chance to win a pair of tickets to the production in Oldham, simply answer this question:

In which TV show did Maxine Peake play 'Twinkle'

a) Silk
b) dinnerladies
c) Hancock and Joan

Email your answer, along with your name, email address and contact number to win@oldham-chronicle.co.uk

If you prefer, you can send your details by post to:
Oldham Evening Chronicle
Beryl Competition
Sarah Moor Studios
Oldham OL1 3EN

A winner will be chosen at random on Monday 9 May at midday, and we will be in touch.  Should we be unable to contact the first entrant within 48 hours, the prize will be forfeited and we will choose another winner at random.

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