Rifco Theatre Company and Oldham Coliseum Theatre collaborate to bring British Asian theatre to Oldham.

Over the next three years Rifco Theatre Company and Oldham Coliseum Theatre will co-produce and present new midscale and studio work as well as collaborating on Rifco’s artist development strand – Rifco Associates.

The partnership commences in 2018 with Rifco, Oldham Coliseum Theatre and Watford Palace Theatre co-producing and presenting a new play Dishoom! by acclaimed playwright Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti.

The play is currently in development and will open in Watford in September 2018 followed by two weeks at Oldham and then touring the UK.

Pravesh Kumar, Artistic Director and Chief Executive, Rifco said “Our audiences in the North West have been asking us to bring our productions to the area and we are thrilled to have partnered up with Oldham Coliseum Theatre to make this happen.

"Through creating work that is relevant, engaging and accessible we encourage working class communities to experience theatre. Rifco are looking forward deepening our relationship with the theatre, artists and the local community through our unique brand of British Asian plays and musicals.”

Kevin Shaw, Artistic Director and Chief Executive, Oldham Coliseum Theatre adds “Oldham Coliseum Theatre sees a very strong artistic fit with Rifco, we share a vision and values and the relationship will enable both companies to develop and grow.

"We are delighted to be entering a three-year partnership, it is precisely the kind of initiative that will enable us to create exciting work for our stage, grow audiences, support pathways for emerging artists and leaders and create strong, vibrant and accessible British Asian productions.”