It's fun all the way as Hansel and Gretel wow the Library audiences

If you haven’t yet managed to get down to Library Oldham to watch Oldham Theatre Workshop Professional Company’s new Christmas musical production, Hansel and Gretel, then don’t leave it too long or you’ll miss out on an amazing show!

Through innovative storytelling, puppetry, live music and song, the company are currently bringing to life one of the world’s best-loved fairy-tales.

The show is performed in the intimate theatre space at the Library and at only £8 a ticket, it’s a great way to escape into the magic of Christmas with the family (age 4+).

The cast from last year’s hugely successful Peter Pan are back, including Natasha Davidson, Sophie Ellicott, Daniel Hartshead and Madeleine Edmondson, with a welcome to Sam Winterbottom, who joins to play Hansel.

Sam has appeared in The Knight of the Burning Pestle at Shakespeare’s Globe, Close the Coalhouse Door and Our Day Out at Oldham Coliseum, and Blood Brothers’ UK Tour.

Sam is clearly delighted to back ‘home’ for the Hansel and Gretel production, one which features OTW’s James Atherton creating the ‘beautiful’ musical score.

Sam said: “It’s been such a fun company to work with. The environment they create for the actors is quite special.

“Because of the short rehearsal time available we were a little nervous about the reaction from the audiences in the early shows, but they’ve really loved it.

“Particularly the younger ones seem to have been really captivated by what we’re doing.”

Sophie, who plays the Stepmother and the Witch, said: “This is such a nice family show, and people from aged four and upwards have been enjoying having a singalong.”

Madeleine, who is set to feature in her third series of TV favourite ‘Cold Feet’ in the new year, plays the Moon.

She said: “I love the performance space here. It’s so intimate yet there’s so much room for creativity.

“I’m loving it, and the little children who’ve been to watch us have too. They get so immersed in the story.”

Natasha, who plays Gretel, has enjoyed the ‘together’ feel of the show and her fellow actors.

Sam is her fiancé ‘in real life’.

She said: “I so wanted to come back again after Peter Pan last year.

“This production has been so nice for older one and the younger ones. Everyone seems to be getting something out of it.”

Daniel has been with OTW since the age of 13. He said: “What’s exciting for me is that this kind of production is offering professional work opportunities for local actors like me.”

Hansel and Gretel runs at Library Oldham until December 29.

Tickets are available at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hansel-and-gretel-tickets-47849997631 or can be purchased direct from Library front desk.

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