Conjuring up a Dickens of a Christmas

Photo: pictures CHRIS SUNDERLAND

A Victorian theme to Oldham's Christmas in the town centre, actors, Jamie Cymbal(Beadle) and Joanne Fallon (senior at the Workhouse) arrive by horse and carriage.

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HUNDREDS of Christmas shoppers are taking a step back in time to experience the sights and sounds of Victorian Oldham.

In an event which started at the weekend and will continue for the next two, Hilton Arcade, which links the High Street to Albion Street, has been turned into a theatrical time tunnel offering a taste of Oldham life in the 19th century.

Victorian characters arrive at the arcade by horse-drawn carriage to show shoppers what Christmas Day was like in years gone by.

Mark Llewellin, the show’s writer and director, said: “This is something really different. During a 20 minute performance two characters — the town beadle and the superintendent of the workhouse — explain what life was like.

“As you enter you are given a card on which is printed the name of a real person alive at the time.

“Then the beadle gives you details of what Christmas entertainment were on offer — the theatre, Chadderton Hall Zoo and so on.

“You then go through a winter forest set before arriving at the workhouse where you find out what the inmates there were given on Christmas Day.

“At the end, the story of the person on your card is revealed.”

The production will take place on Saturday and Sunday as well as December 5, 6 and 7 and performances run from 10.30am to 3pm.

This weekend there will also be Victorian-themed stalls, attractions and entertainment, and the following weekend will see an ice rink filled with winter wonderland characters.