More than 100 young people from 10 local schools and theatre groups will take to the stage at the new OPAN Youth Theatre Festival, delivered by Oldham Theatre Workshop in partnership with Oldham Coliseum Theatre. Running, Tuesday 3- Friday 6th February 2026 at Oldham Theatre Workshop’s brand-new Theatre Studio 1 (JR Clynes Building). The festival offers an exciting new platform for Year 7 to Year 9 students to explore performance, storytelling, and creative collaboration.

At the centre of the festival is a newly commissioned play, King of the Trees, written by playwright Alice Bunker-Whitney. The play is inspired by the tragic loss of the Sycamore Gap tree and has been shaped directly through workshops with Oldham’s young people and teachers.

Each school will present its own version of King of the Trees in Oldham with the script designed to be adaptable. Groups are encouraged to add devised scenes, ensuring that every performance is unique and reflects the creativity of the young people involved.

The festival forms part of an expanding programme of participatory arts between Oldham Coliseum Theatre and Oldham Theatre Workshop. Its ambition is to champion creative education, connect local schools, and give young people the opportunity to perform on a professional stage.

Martina Murphy, CEO, Oldham Coliseum Theatre says “creating meaningful opportunities for young people is at the heart of what the Coliseum stands for. The OPAN Youth Theatre Festival allows us to open our doors wider, giving young people across Oldham the chance to explore their talent, build confidence and experience the joy of making theatre together. These are the storytellers, leaders and creatives of the future, and it’s essential that we invest in them now.”  James Atherton Artist Director, Oldham Theatre Workshop also emphasised, “Young people thrive when they’re given the space to create, to take risks and to connect with others who share their passion. This festival brings 10 schools together to do exactly that, filling Oldham with a positive buzz of creativity. We’re proud to collaborate with Oldham Coliseum Theatre on a project that not only develops skills, but celebrates youth voices and strengthens our artistic community.”

Participating schools will benefit from a comprehensive package including a directing masterclass and continuing professional development, optional dramaturg support, access to a professional venue, technical team and equipment, transport to the festival venue on performance day, marketing materials and ongoing creative and logistical support.