More than 130 years on, and the panto is still going strong!

Performers from Oldham Coliseum Theatre’s youth theatre groups took to the street in the town’s annual Reindeer Parade, representing the theatre’s long history of producing spectacular pantomimes for the people of Oldham and beyond.

With the blessing of this year’s pantomime stars, Hannah Weiner, Jessica Barton and Rowan Curran joined the parade dressed in costumes from the pantomime’s previous productions.

The tradition of the Coliseum’s pantomime began in December 1887 with a production of Aladdin and his Wonderful Lamp.

The first pantomime produced at the Coliseum in its then new location on Fairbottom Street starred Miss I Lindon as Aladdin, Mr J Stuart as Widow Twankey and Mr Keno Johnstone as the evil Abanazar.

The annual Christmas extravaganza has been ingrained in the theatre’s make up ever since.

Historical stars of the Coliseum’s pantomimes include: Eric Potts, William Roache, Barbara Knox (then Barbara Mullaney), Anne Kirkbride and Roy Barraclough.  

Over 130 years on from the theatre’s first pantomime, the cast of Cinderella were putting the finishing touches on this year’s production which opened at 2.15pm the same day.

Fine Time Fontayne, one of this year’s Pantomime Dame and co-writer of Cinderella, said: “The Coliseum’s pantomime belongs to the town of Oldham and it’s something to be incredibly proud of.

"The young performers come to the theatre every week to learn and rehearse their own shows and I know they will do the Coliseum, and the pantomime, proud.”

The Coliseum’s annual family pantomime is nationally renowned; it has garnered multiple awards and is regularly described by critics as one of the best in the country.

This year, Prince Charming is throwing a ball and everyone is invited!

But it looks like poor Cinderella will be staying home alone, thanks to her Wicked Stepmother and two Ugly Sisters, Trumpy and Pumpy.

With the help of her best friend Buttons and a magical Fairy Godmother can Cinderella make it to the party on time?

Each year the Coliseum serves up the perfect panto recipe – excellent actors, singers and dancers dishing out the very best in traditional fun that’s great for kids and not-so-grown-up grown-ups.

Add some music, songs and slapstick, plus a sprinkling of fairy dust for the perfect Christmas celebration.

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