Passionate about a life on the stage

FIRST step to fame . . . Amy Olive

AN aspiring actress has taken her first step towards fame and fortune at the Oldham Coliseum.

Amy Olive, from Chadderton, has landed a role in A Passionate Woman, which runs until Saturday at the Fairbottom Street theatre.

The 19-year-old plays a bride-to-be and although it is a non-speaking part, her role is crucial to the storyline.

Amy found out about the opportunity through Pathways — a Coliseum scheme which provides young people with advice on how to pursue a career in the arts industry — and jumped at the chance to take to the stage.

Oldhamer Amy, who has an A-level in theatre studies, said: “Drama is something I’ve always been interested in. I’ve had a few different jobs but this is always something I’ve come back to.

“I’ve learnt how much work goes into putting the play on and what goes on behind the scenes. I was a bit nervous about working with the professional cast — especially as they’re famous, but they’ve been really welcoming. I even get a dressing room with my name on it.”

Amy is hoping her debut role will lead to bigger things and is taking inspiration from ex-Coronation Street actress, and fellow Chaddertonian Suranne Jones, who had her first taste of success at the Coliseum when she took a walk-on part in 1997 production The Woman in Black.

A Passionate Woman sees Betty climb into the attic on the day of her son’s wedding and begins to sift through memories of an affair she had many years ago.

As her son and husband try to get her to come back down in time for the wedding, poor Jo, played by Amy, is left waiting at the church for her fiancé to turn up. The play is written by and stars Kay Mellor alongside James Hornsby, Anthony Lewis and Stuart Manning.


See tomorrow’s Chronicle print edition for a two-for-one ticket offer to see A Passionate Woman.