Julie Hesmondhalgh has launched a ‘pay it forward’ campaign to help make theatre accessible to everyone.
The actor and guest curator at Oldham Coliseum Theatre is supporting the scheme for the Coliseum’s latest production of Macbeth, aiming to ensure that nobody is excluded from live theatre due to the cost of a ticket.
The campaign invites audiences to 'bring someone with you' by donating the cost of an extra ticket.
Hesmondhalgh, who will appear in the new season of Celebrity Traitors, said: "As we launch our new production of Macbeth, we are hoping to enable audience members who cannot afford a ticket to come along.
"A concessionary ticket is £15, but we are hoping to be able to provide a number of free and pay-what-you-can tickets per performance via community groups within the town.
"So, if you can 'bring someone with you' by donating £15, or even throw a couple of quid in, it would be hugely appreciated."
In its first 24 hours, more than £1,000 was raised.
Concessionary tickets for the show are priced at £15, and the campaign is raising funds to provide free and pay-what-you-can tickets through community groups across Oldham.
This will help remove financial barriers to experiencing live theatre.
Hesmondhalgh helped lead the ‘Save the Coliseum’ campaign three years ago after Arts Council funding was withdrawn.
Since then, the theatre has been staging productions at alternative venues while its historic Fairbottom Street home undergoes restoration.
The latest production of Macbeth will take place at Liquid & Envy, a nightclub in the centre of Oldham, and is described as the Coliseum's most ambitious show since it began performing in non-traditional venues.
The 150-seat production will transform the nightclub space into the dark world of Shakespeare’s tragedy.
Directed by the Coliseum’s creative director Nick Bagnall, the cast includes Andrew Sheridan (Peaky Blinders, Chernobyl, Shameless) as Macbeth and Erin Shanagher (The Bay, Ridley, Peaky Blinders) as Lady Macbeth.
The show will run from Friday, October 23, to Saturday, November 7, with the press night on Tuesday, October 27.
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The campaign has been developed in partnership with the Friends of Oldham Coliseum, and free tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis through a sign-up form.
Hesmondhalgh will also appear at a special event, Behind the Scenes of The Traitors with Julie Hesmondhalgh, as part of the Coliseum’s autumn and winter season.
You can donate via gofundme.com/f/pay-it-forward-tickets
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