Oldham Coliseum names playwright Sarah Nelson and actor Mark Newsome as its first Artists in Residence

Award-winning playwright Sarah Nelson and actor Mark Newsome have been named Oldham Coliseum Theatre's inaugural Artists in Residence.

The pair are currently gearing up for their upcoming Oldham Coliseum production You're My World - a one-man show starring Mark that will tour venues in every district of Oldham borough this November.  

Over the coming months, they will also be supported in developing work, testing new ideas and reaching new audiences in and around Oldham. 

The idea for You're My World first emerged through another Oldham Coliseum artist development programme, Bloom, which Mark and Sarah were involved with in 2024.  

Bloom brings together artists developing new work in Oldham, offering tailored mentorship, peer support and structured time to explore their practice. 

Martina Murphy, Oldham Coliseum Theatre CEO, said: "We're incredibly excited to announce Mark Newsome and Sarah Nelson as Oldham Coliseum Theatre's Artists in Residence 2026. 

"We're serious about strengthening Oldham's creative ecology and committed to the artists making it. Artist development is more than what happens during a programme or before a show opens. It's about backing people over time, building relationships and creating the conditions for artists to thrive.  

"As Artists in Residence, Mark and Sarah become part of the fabric of the Coliseum – making work with us, developing new ideas, sharing works-in-progress, contributing to conversations, championing other artists and helping shape where we go next. 

"Our residency programme is about investing in exceptional talent for the long haul, creating space to take risks, make bold new work and build careers right here in Oldham. 

"You're My World is the first studio scale piece to be produced in-house since the closure of the Coliseum's building. It's fitting that the work was created in Oldham and features an actor born in the town." 

Oldham born Mark Newsome starred in the hit Channel 4 drama Screw and has recently been named a Greater Manchester Town of Culture 2026 Ambassador after being nominated by Oldham Coliseum Theatre.

He explained: "I'm thrilled to be working with my hometown theatre to bring You're My World, an idea I had in my bedroom to life at Oldham Coliseum Theatre.  

"As a local lad, that it coincides with being named one of the first Artists in Residence means the world. It feels like the beginning of something really exciting and I'm really looking forward to the next few months." 

Sarah Nelson, who is an award-winning playwright, director and theatre-maker from Greater Manchester, and is an Associate Artist at Oldham Theatre Workshop, added: "I'm incredibly excited to be one of the Coliseum's Artists in Residence, working with Mark and the brilliant team. It's a fantastic chance to collaborate with amazing creatives and engage with the community. I'm particularly thrilled to be part of Nick Bagnall's debut season as Creative Director and can't wait to share You're My World with audiences across Oldham." 

You're My World, which has been created by Mark and Sarah, is a one man show that tells the story of "Cilla Black's biggest fan" Damien Dunkerly (played by Mark). On leave from his day-job at the bingo hall, Damien packs his glittery jacket and sets off to come face to face with his greatest role yet: taking centre stage in his own story. You're My World is about reaching for the stars, shattered dreams and following your heart. 

Mark was born into a working-class family and his gift for acting developed during his teenage years at Oldham Theatre Workshop. He went onto train at National Youth Theatre, followed by the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff, Wales.  

Amongst his career highlights was the critically acclaimed one-man show, 'Blackpool, What a Shit Place to Die'. This compelling performance explores Mark's journey towards self-acceptance, touching on themes of sexuality, autism, and personal battles with addiction.  

Mark has also graced the screens playing the prisoner Streaky in the popular Channel 4 drama series, Screw. Beyond acting, Mark shines as a gifted comedian, adding humour and depth to his portfolio. 

Sarah Nelson is an award-winning playwright, director and theatre-maker from Greater Manchester.  

In 2019 she was selected as one of the BBC's Northern Voices and received an INSPIRE Award for Women in Arts and Film. In the same year, her acclaimed play Letter to Boddah won the Broadway Baby Bobby Award for Best Theatre Show at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.  

Sarah is an Associate Artist at Oldham Theatre Workshop, where she has written numerous original plays and musicals for young people and family audiences. Her work is known for its warmth, humour, distinctive northern voice and commitment to telling stories that place community and human connection at their heart. 

Recent and current productions include Heist School Musical for Oldham Theatre Workshop and All the Small Things for M6 Theatre, alongside a wide range of productions created in collaboration with composer James Atherton. Her work spans intimate drama, musical theatre and family productions, consistently championing authentic working-class voices and accessible storytelling.  

You're My World – dates and venues 

Friday, November 6 – Oldham Theatre Workshop, The JR Clynes Building, Oldham, OL1 1DN 

Tuesday, November 10 – Billy's Bar, Poplar St, Failsworth, Manchester, M35 0HY 

Wednesday, November 11– Greenfield Cricket Club, Ladhill Lane, Greenfield, OL3 7JW 

Thursday, November 12 – North Chadderton Social & Bowling Club, Broadway, Chadderton, OL9 0EL 

Thursday, November 19 – The Cartshaft Social Club, 10 St Mary's Gate, Shaw, Oldham, OL2 8AE 

Friday, November 20 – Oldham Theatre Workshop, The JR Clynes Building, Oldham, OL1 1DN 

All shows start at 7:30pm, Tickets from £5 

More details and booking information are available on the Oldham Coliseum website.