Giants show will herald long-awaited reopening of Old Town Hall

AN spectacular ‘On the Shoulders of Giants’ free outdoor show is to herald the eagerly-awaited Old Town Hall opening event in Oldham.

The town council has revealed plans for the show which takes place next Friday (October 21) on Parliament Square.

Written by Sarah Nelson, it is a showcase celebrating the rebirth of this iconic civic building – and the end of the town centre’s 30-year wait for a cinema.

The story takes its inspiration from a local legend, the Oldham Giant, who will wake from his slumber in the crypts of Oldham Parish Church, opposite the Old Town Hall.

Oldham Arts Development has woven together light projections from Illuminos, a six-metre tall illuminated giant puppet created by Handmade Parade, local actors and musicians – plus dazzling aerial silk performers from Upswing suspended from a crane high above the crowd – to make it a night to remember.

The fun and thrills continue after opening night with a full weekend of events in Parliament Square – including an array of live music, street performances and movie-themed entertainment – (October 22 and 23) offering something for all generations.
 
Jean Stretton, Oldham Council leader, said: “The opening of the Old Town Hall is a massive moment for Oldham – so we were determined to deliver a very special family event.”

“We’ve worked hard to create a real spectacle with this show, the likes of which I don’t believe our town centre has never seen before, so that we can celebrate the restoration of the Old Town Hall as a symbol of civic pride with a show that is uniquely about Oldham.

“This will be a visually stunning experience with 3D projections onto the Old Town Hall’s front façade, a six-metre tall giant, aerial acrobatics, and performances from local actors.

“The story is being told by some very special local actors and guests including Olivia Cooke and Mina Anwar, plus comedian Bobby Ball and musician Clint Boon.

“It also has a specially created music score from James Atherton of Oldham Theatre Workshop and a live solo performance from Oldham violinist Faz Shah.

“The story is about a small girl who, when raised on the shoulders of a giant, finds that she can see much further – and that she can also see a brighter future for herself and her town.

“This will capture and inspire your imagination when you see it brought to life – and I hope as many people as possible will come along to witness this amazing free show.”
 
The Old Town Hall opening event starts at 7.30pm with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting event with Jim McMahon, Oldham West and Royton MP, before On the Shoulders of Giants gets underway, running until around 8.15pm.

As some of the first ODEON guests then enter the building to watch a film, the Oldham Giant will continue strolling around Parliament Square with music and projections onto the Old Town Hall façade continuing until around 11pm.
 
The public are advised to arrive early for the opening event and use public transport, whenever possible.