Ghostbusters are called in

Blithe Spirit cast spooked by things that go bump

THINGS have been going bump in the night at Oldham Coliseum as rehearsals for a ghostly new play get under way.

There have been several unexplained incidents at the Fairbottom Street theatre since the cast of “Blithe Spirit” started work.

The building, which dates back to 1885, is thought to be haunted by actor Harold Norman who was accidentally stabbed during a scene in Macbeth in 1847.

Although the spirits have been quiet in the past year, during the past few weeks there have been several accounts of strange goings on around the theatre.

Staff are expecting even more paranormal activity during the run of Blithe Spirit as the use of Ouija board and other mystical items conjure up the dormant spirits keeping a watchful eye over the theatre.

To get to the bottom of these apparitions Oldham Coliseum has invited Ghostly Encounters to spend the night at the theatre to investigate the sightings and goings on.

They will be staying on Saturday, July 18, to carry out tests in the auditorium, the dressing rooms, and the bar areas to see what they can find out about the unexplained activity.

Colin McClure, from Ghostly Encounters, said: “We are extremely excited and privileged to be invited to conduct a paranormal investigation at the historical Oldham Coliseum Theatre.

“This building has a fantastic history and is believed to be steeped in paranormal activity and apparitions which have become more common recently. This is a great opportunity for us to conduct an investigation in our home town and invite local people to participate in this thrilling event.”

Blithe Spirit, which runs at Oldham Coliseum from May 14 until June 6, recounts the story of novelist Charles who is inadvertently reconnected with his dead first wife during a séance, which leads to hilarious consequences.

For tickets, contact the box office on 0161 624 2829 or book online at www.coliseum.org.uk