The 2022 spring and summer season for Oldham Coliseum Theatre has been announced today, with highlights including the long awaited The Jungle Book and Beryl, as well as the world premiere of We Should Definitely Have More Dancing.

The theatre’s Studio programme is also set to return after a two year break and will showcase the work of six independent theatre companies. It will also see the return of Cultivate, a week long festival providing theatre makers with an unmissable experience of workshops, talks and opportunities.

The Jungle Book, created by Jessica Swale and Joe Stilgoe and directed by Sarah Punshon, will be the first family show that has been produced outside of the panto season for almost 20 years, running from 7-24 April. The Jungle Book is the story that everyone knows and loves and will tackle themes of family, belonging and identity. Performed by a cast of seven, the production is set in an ‘urban jungle’ playground in which the actors will swing and climb through during the show.

Also announced for the spring/summer season is Beryl. Directed by Coliseum Artistic Director Chris Lawson, Beryl will run from 7-21 May before touring.

Beryl tells the true story of Beryl Burton, a Yorkshire woman who despite a heart condition that should have prevented her from doing strenuous activity, went on to dominate British Cycling in the 50s, 60s and 70s and went on to win championships, break world records and earn both a MBE and OBE.

Making its world premiere on the Coliseum stage. We Should Definitely Have More Dancing tells the incredible life story of actor Clara Darcy. Clara is care free, single and dancing through life. That is until she discovers a fist sized tumour in her brain and her world is turned upside down. We Should Definitely Have More Dancing is a tale of love, fear and dancing all on the edge of life.

The show is written by Ian Kershaw, co-directed by Tatty Hennessy and Raz Shaw, and Clara Darcy will be playing herself alongside a cast of her friends. The show runs from 17 June-2 July before transferring to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, followed by a national tour this autumn.

Other season highlights include Jitney, The Ballad of Maria Marten, The Glee Club and The Last Quiz Night on Earth among many others. For the full announcement and more details, please click here.