Our race against time for Children in Need

PUDSEY’S pride . . . performers and staff wear Pudsey bandanas to launch their show for Children in Need. (Back row, from left) Mark Swanwick, Craig Harris, Dave Cullen and Gaye Lewis. Front: Rachel Wood, James Atherton, Julie Ashforth, Andrea Bushell and Nicky Unsworth

KIND-HEARTED arts groups from across the borough will work around the clock to create a charity show from scratch.

Performers will work throughout the night to produce an original piece of multi-media theatre to be performed for the BBC’s “Children in Need” show.

Oldham Theatre Workshop will work alongside a host of community arts groups to put together the outdoor spectacular.

They will burst into action at 7pm on Thursday and work continuously throughout the night before performing the finished work at 7pm on Friday when the BBC’s charity extravaganza kicks off.

Workshop artistic director James Atherton said: “The theme for this year’s Children in Need appeal is to ‘do something different’ and we’ve set ourselves this very different challenge. We will be working from scratch to create a spectacular outdoor show that features music, dance, art and drama.”

Many groups who use The Museum on Greaves Street are involved, including Young Oldham Dance Company, Juba do Laeo, Chrysalis Theatre, Threads and Strands, apprentices from Gallery 37 and guest performers from the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester. The Museum building will be in use for the full 24 hours as the groups work in shifts and constantly pass on the creative baton, before final rehearsals at 5pm.

Everyone is welcome to attend the free show with donations to the appeal, via official collection buckets, welcome on the night.

Alternatively, donate online at www.bbc.co.uk/pudsey.