Real voices being brought to life by Dare to Know Theatre

Dare to Know Theatre are returning with their The Community Project, working in collaboration with Oldham Positive Action Network to bring real Oldham stories to life. 

Everyone from Oldham is invited to join the project for free, whether they have never stepped foot on stage before, or are returning to it.

The community will be helping to shape this powerful piece of theatre, working together to use theatre as a way to be heard and connect with others.

Oldham’s Dare to Know Theatre was founded in 2020 by Oldhamers Miranda Parker and Jake Talbot, who are committed to making work with and for Oldham.

This will be the company’s fifth community production, and seventh time running the project - having most recently created 26 micro-plays for their ‘Oldham Community Advent Calendar.’ 

Now, they are bringing a project ‘I Am Oldham’ to the stage, transforming powerful research and lived experiences gathered by Oldham Positive Action Network for performances in Summer 2026.

Oldham Positive Action Network work with four simple values: collaboration, collecting stories, coproduction and continued learning.

They have collected a rich tapestry of stories, data and community wisdom by advancing collaborative approaches to addressing the root causes of poverty, inequality and injustice in Oldham.

Their Lived Experience Advisors will be guiding and shaping the process, ensuring the creation of the artistic result preserves authenticity and reflects what it means to live in Oldham today.

‘I Am Oldham’ will be taking Dare to Know Theatre’s mission to bring Oldham voices to life to the next level.

With words directly from Oldham residents, Dare to Know Theatre will create a theatre piece exploring identity, struggle, resilience and hope in Oldham today.

The show will use verbatim theatre techniques, truly giving a voice to the people of Oldham.

The project has been built with and for the people of Oldham, with the sole purpose of amplifying real voices, real lives and real experiences to celebrate Oldham’s resilience and identity.

“It’s an honour to be working with Oldham Positive Action Network on our brand new community play ‘I Am Oldham.’ I’m blown away by the work the group have done with the local community, but most of all, I’m blown away by the honest, resilience and determination of it’s members to make sure no-one feels alone and everyone feels heard,” said co-founder Jake.

“The work they are doing for the people of Oldham is nothing short of remarkable.”

Rehearsals for ‘I am Oldham’ begin on Wednesday, January 21 in Oldham, and anyone in Oldham over the age of 18 is welcome to join.

Sessions will continue every week on a Wednesday evening from 7pm - 9pm, through until the final performance in Summer 2026.

To get involved, please email Dare to Know Theatre at: daretoknowtheatrecasting@gmail.com to register your interest or find out more.

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