Two Bury-born stars will appears in a new short film which celebrating the history of Oldham's beloved Coliseum theatre.

Our Sleeping Beauty (True Love's Kiss) is a short film, celebrating the rich history of Oldham's iconic Coliseum on Fairbottom Street which closed last March.

It features a rota of stars, including Emmerdale actress Lisa Riley and Coronation Street's Anthony Cotton, both from Bury

The film features a poem, written and performed by the Corrie star and avid Coliseum campaigner, Julie Hesmondhalgh, which is brought to life with music composed by Zoe Hodges.

The short film includes historical footage spanning the Coliseum's past, edited by Andonis Anthony and Grant Archer, and designed to be a "love letter" to "the Coli", capturing its deep-rooted significance in the community and weaving a tale of its legacy.

Our Sleeping Beauty is a collaborative effort, with Julie and Zoe serving as producers, and features an array of distinguished actors who have a connection to Oldham and who rallied to preserve the theatre, including Hollyoaks actress Annie Wallace and Shameless star Maxine Peake. 

In order of appearance, the actors are Suranne Jones, Sally Carman, Paula Lane, Christopher Eccleston, Paul Hilton, Annie Wallace, Mina Anwar, Lisa Riley, Antony Cotton, Siobhan Finneran, Julie Hesmondhalgh, Sian Phillips, John Henshaw, Shobna Gulati, Jane Hazlegrove, Sally Dynevor, Andonis Anthony, Mitesh Soni, Maxine Peake and Kenneth Alan Taylor, plus the children of Blackshaw Lane School.

Julie Hesmondhalgh said: "The public outcry that followed last year's closure of Oldham's beloved Coli, from audiences and artists alike, made national news.

“Since then, a dedicated group of campaigners have been working tirelessly to fight for the jewel in Oldham's crown to be reopened and restored to her former glory.

"She is not dead but merely sleeping, and the passion and dedication of those who love her might yet wake her from this extended nap."

Ian Kershaw, BAFTA, Bruntwood award-winning writer and Oldhamer, added: "The legendary, internationally famous Oldham Coliseum is the town's beating heart of art and culture.

"15,000 of us have signed a petition urging the decision-makers to reopen the beloved theatre on Fairbottom Street.

"Please join us by adding your name to the petition and sending your kisses to wake her."

The film will debut in an exclusive private screening on Wednesday (April 24) at 6.30pm at Valentino’s in Oldham.

A video link to Our Sleeping Beauty will also be available to watch after 7.15pm on Wednesday via the Save Oldham Coliseum website.