Synopsis

Co-created by SBC and their Youth Theatre of Sanctuary

Join rabbits, elves, unicorns, and The Beetles for an exciting roam through the park this August Bank Holiday.

Secret Summer is a free bilingual story walk for all the family to enjoy on your phone via a free downloadable app. 

Plug in your headphones, get your face painted, join a host of fun characters and uncover the secrets of the park in this exciting live and interactive experience.

Secret Summer is taking place in Alexandra Park and Dunwood Park, Shaw during August Bank Holiday Weekend.

• 12pm – 3pm, Saturday 26 August, in Oldham's Alexandra Park
• 12pm – 3pm, Sunday 27 August, in Shaw's Dunwood Park.
• Performances at 12pm, 12.30pm, 1pm, 1.30pm, 2pm and 2.30pm

Story Walks last 45 minutes. We have different start times so audiences get the best experience. 

Secret Summer is completely free. No tickets are needed - just turn up! 

The adventure can be enjoyed by all the family in English and/or Arabic. 

Plus there’s a downloadable activity pack at the end of the adventure. Design the characters as you see them in your head and create your own secret world of wildlife. We can’t wait to see your ideas!

Be part of the Secret Summer adventure

What you need to know

How do I take part?

You can download the app from the Apple Store or Google Play - just search SBC Secret Summer - before your visit. Or the Secret Garden team is on hand to help you before the start of your adventure.

Is the app free?

It’s completely free and it includes a special activity pack to enjoy once your visit is over.

Do my children need a separate phone to enjoy this?

Just remember to bring your headphones! But we have all the equipment you need to help your family listen to the stories together. 

Can I buy food and drinks?

Alexandra Park has The Boathouse Café Oldham and there’s a cafe at Dunwood Park in Shaw. Or why not bring a picnic?

Are there toilets?

Toilets are located inside both cafés.

Is Secret Summer accessible for disabled people?

Secret Summer is fully accessible and is wheelchair friendly. We have people who can support you on the walk.

Is it suitable for all the family?

Secret Summer has been made for all ages, there are no age restrictions and the adventure is pram friendly.

What about the famous Oldham weather?
Well, it is Oldham, so prepare for wet weather as Secret Summer takes place outdoors. You can also borrow a water-proof poncho.

What do you mean by binaural narration?

Binaural narration means certain parts of the adventure only play in one ear rather than both, meaning things might feel closer to you, or further away.

Keeping in touch

Check Oldham Coliseum Theatre’s social media Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and our website for updates in the run up to the weekend.

Secret Summer was originally co-created by Stand & Be Counted (SBC), the UK's first Theatre Company of Sanctuary, with their Youth Theatre of Sanctuary, a group of 13 - 15 year-olds new to the UK.

Secret Summer is kindly supported by Oldham Borough Council and Arts Council England. Secret Summer was commissioned by The Space and Theatre in the Mill, with funding from Arts Council England and supported by The Montgomery Theatre. 

Creative Team:

Performers: Abdulallah, Mostafa, Tafawal, Abdulkarim, Abdulwahab, Dayana, Loreen, Mahir, Baha, Reem and Alina Aleva

• Writer: Anan Tello
• Director: Rosie MacPherson
• Digital Director: Smart Banda
• Community Director: Firas Chihi
• Producer: John Tomlinson
• Set and Costume Designer: Rebecca Constable
• Illustrator: Lucy Bingham
• Sound Designer: Ed Waring
• Composer: Eilon Morris
• Audience Development: Holly Close
• Creative Associates: Cerowyn Browne, Khaled Aljawad, Theo Ioannou, John Rwothomack, Carys Rose Thomas, Ruth Vassallo, Nahzi Nabipour.
• Additional Artwork: Mubanga Kauseni
• Additional Photography: Al-Hussein Abutaleb
• App made with Echoes