Much ado about the Bard

vicar John Simmons is combining his calling with his love of the theatre to introduce people to the Bard.

He has teamed up with Oldham Coliseum to stage the Taste of Shakespeare day at Christ Church, Block Lane.

The free events runs from 10.30am to 1pm tomorrow and will feature scenes from plays, sonnets and workshops for children and teenagers.

Schools and community groups involved include Crompton House and Royton and Crompton secondaries, Christ Church primary and St Saviour’s Church.

The event is part of the Shakespeare 2012 campaign for a national Shakespeare celebration to run alongside the London Olympics.

It coincides with Shakespeare’s birthday anniversary weekend and Rev Simmons, chaplain at Oldham Coliseum, said: “Along with hundreds of other groups all around the country, we are encouraging people from the community to get to know Shakespeare a little better.

“Extracts from well-known plays such as ‘Macbeth’ and ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ will be performed in the church alongside less well known sonnets, and there will be Shakespeare workshops for teenagers and children as well as refreshments.”

Coliseum artistic director Kevin Shaw added: “This will be a great chance to get a feel for the Bard, whether you’re aware of his work or a complete novice.”

For details phone the parish office 0161-624 2326.