Board appointed to oversee Oldham Coliseum theatre closure

Oldham Coliseum Theatre Ltd has appointed a new Board of Trustees to oversee the closure of its theatre building.

The announcement follows confirmation from the company that Oldham Coliseum Theatre will close at the end of the month, following the loss of its Arts Council England (ACE) funding last November, and unsuccessful attempts from the theatre’s supporters to save it.

The new six-member Board is chaired by Duncan Craig OBE, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of charity Survivors Manchester.

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He is joined by Joint President of UK Theatre Jon Gilchrist, Operations Director of Chetham’s School of Music Simon Chaplin, freelance arts marketing consultant Janina Mundy, professional charity fundraiser Hannah Taylor and chartered accountant Helen Williamson.

The new Board replaces Oldham Coliseum’s existing trustees, who stepped away from the organisation following discussions with and feedback from ACE and Oldham Council.

Board Chair Craig says the new board members now hold the responsibility to ensure the legacy of the Coliseum does not end when the doors shut.

“We will do everything we can to ensure Oldham Coliseum Theatre Ltd remains part of the discussions with Oldham Council about the cultural offer in Oldham,” Craig added.

“The new Board want to acknowledge the incredibly difficult process that the staff are going through and thank them all for taking care of each other. 

“The average length of service for a member of Coliseum staff is 9 years, which shows such dedication to creating great theatre for and in Oldham.”

Looking ahead

The new Board has already opened discussions with ACE and Oldham Council on the future of culture in Oldham, “including any role that a reshaped Oldham Coliseum organisation may play in it,” according to a statement from the theatre.

Meanwhile, Oldham Council has pledged to bring a new theatre building to the town. Council members recently admitted they currently do not have a lead tenant for the proposals, which are due to be completed by 2026 and currently face a multi-million pound shortfall.

The council is also due to submit an application for £1.85m of ACE funding, ringfenced by the funder for the council, for a programme that supports arts provision in Oldham over the next three years.

Last week, ACE said it was open to Oldham Coliseum Ltd playing a role in the delivery of that programme, “if its financial and governance challenges had been effectively addressed”.

Leader of Oldham Council, Amanda Chadderton, has said the appointment of a new board “is a positive step forward and provides an opportunity for the Coliseum to forge a new future for itself”. 

“We are still hopeful that the Coliseum can continue to produce theatre in Oldham and have a major role in our new town centre theatre, and conversations between the council and the new board will focus on how we can achieve that,” Chadderton added.

“I have already met with Duncan and I was heartened by his commitment and drive to take the Coliseum forward in a way that benefit the town and protects our cultural heritage.”