CANCELLED: Blue/Orange at Oldham Coliseum

Kristy Stott, Theatre Editor
Blue/Orange at Oldham Coliseum
Image courtesy of Oldham Coliseum.

Blue/Orange at Oldham Coliseum, Manchester 17 February — 5 March 2022 Tickets from £7.00 — Book now

All great plays can be identified through their connection to different ages and times. Joe Penhall’s masterpiece Blue/Orange was written in 2000, yet its themes are still largely relevant today. Tackling mental health, racial inequality and an underfunded healthcare system, the topic of this play is provocative, perceptive and still resonates over two decades later.

A modern masterpiece that packs a punch.

Blue/Orange tells the story of Christopher, a patient who had been sectioned to the psychiatric ward for a month. Looking forward to his discharge, Christopher is all set for his release until an orange throws his diagnosis into question. His doctor wants to detain him under section indefinitely whereas a senior consultant thinks it’s a question of culture – there’s also pressing logistical issues: they need the beds.

Directed by Oldham Coliseum’s Chris Lawson, the story takes place over 24 hours. With the power struggle building to an explosive crescendo – Blue/Orange is a sardonically, intense and witty exploration of institutional racism, ethics and mental health.

A sardonically, intense and witty exploration of institutional racism, ethics and mental health.

The play garnered a string of awards when it first premiered over 20 years ago – winning Best New Play at The Critics Circle Awards and the Evening Standard Awards in 2000 and then the Olivier Award for Best New Play in 2001. Perhaps, most strikingly, Blue/Orange is a play that continues to build its authority with audiences and performers – showing no signs of shrinking away. A modern masterpiece that packs a punch – don’t miss out.

Blue/Orange at Oldham Coliseum, Manchester 17 February — 5 March 2022

Book Now

Performances

Date
Time
Session Features
17 February 2022
7:30pm — 9:30pm
18 February 2022
7:30pm — 9:30pm
19 February 2022
7:30pm — 9:30pm
22 February 2022
7:30pm — 9:30pm
23 February 2022
2:30pm — 4:30pm
23 February 2022
7:30pm — 9:30pm
24 February 2022
7:30pm — 9:30pm

Accessibility Features

British Sign Language

25 February 2022
7:30pm — 9:30pm
26 February 2022
2:30pm — 4:30pm
26 February 2022
7:30pm — 9:30pm
1 March 2022
7:30pm — 9:30pm

Accessibility Features

Audio Described

2 March 2022
7:30pm — 9:30pm
3 March 2022
7:30pm — 9:30pm
4 March 2022
7:30pm — 9:30pm
5 March 2022
2:30pm — 4:30pm
5 March 2022
7:30pm — 9:30pm

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

What's on: Theatre

Everyman & Playhouse Spring Summer Season
Until
TheatreLiverpool
Everyman & Playhouse Spring/ Summer Season

A busy and brilliant season – expect contemporary takes on the classics, world premiere adaptations of bestsellers and fantastical family shows. There’s plenty to enjoy in Liverpool’s theatres this spring.

Culture in South Lakes
Until
ExhibitionsCumbria
Culture in South Lakes

Not only one of Britain’s most picturesque national parks, the Lake District is also brimming with culture. Here’s what’s on over the next few months.

free entry
La Clique at Depot Mayfield
Until
TheatreManchester
La Clique at Depot Mayfield

Underbelly’s sensational and internationally acclaimed circus show will pitch its spectacular Spiegeltent on the rooftop of Depot Mayfield.

from £19.50
Barbara at The Edge
TheatreChorlton
Barbara at The Edge

Featuring performance and song, crumpets and conversation, theatre-maker Mark Croasdale brings a new show inspired by the experience of caring for a grandparent with dementia.

from £13.00
ActivityManchester
MIF23: We Cut Through Dust

We Cut Through Dust is a walk into the future, guided by a series of phone calls. Over the course of an hour, you’ll be taken on a journey through the city.

free entry

Culture Guides

Music

We go all in on festivals, with a round-up of everything from city-spanning giants to grassroots gems you may not know about.

Exhibitions

There's no rest for the art lover - this month brings outdoor sculpture, musings on water, political drawings and Liverpool Biennial 2023!

Classical Music

Summer's classical music calendar is filling up nicely! Read our top picks of concerts happening in Manchester and the North.

Winnie the Pooh at Manchester Opera House
Families

The sun has finally got his hat on! Enjoy our top picks of family-friendly events and activities, both indoors and outdoors.

Gerry Potter (credit Lee Baxter)
Literature

Books are big this summer, with festival readings, poetry slams, creative writing activities and famous faces all putting in an appearance.

Food and Drink

All signs point toward June being a scorcher of a month, so let’s take a look at all things summery food and drink.

Tours and Activities

From literary activities to brilliant independent shops, keep your minds and homes filled with the good stuff this month.

Theatre in Manchester
Theatre

Check out our updated guide for lively theatre festivals, rip-roaring rooftop circus and dreamy outdoor shows.