Oldham Coliseum takes final curtain call

Oldham Coliseum has closed permanently following a farewell event attended by hundreds of people.

As part of the closing event, staged last Friday (31 March), script in hand performances were staged with more than 20 actors from 11 Coliseum productions, as well as comedians, and guest appearances.

Meanwhile, a campaign has begun to secure a new theatre in the town.

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The Coliseum took the decision to close after losing its regular funding from Arts Council England. The existing venue, owned by Oldham Council, requires extensive work to make it fit for use, while a planned replacement theatre is yet to make it off the drawing board.

Speaking to BBC Radio Four, actor Christopher Eccleston, who took part in the event alongside Maxine Peake, described the closure of the theatre as "tragic".

"I went to see productions there as a child, as a young person," he said.
 
"I think it is tragic that Oldham and its borough is losing a theatre in a time when we're supposed to be levelling up. 

"What last night was about was beginning a campaign to establish a new theatre in Oldham and also to say this can't happen anywhere else. 

"Because the question in my mind is if they can get rid of Oldham Coliseum, which has been there for over 100 years, where's next for the North West? 

"If you grow up in the North West you don't feel that culture and the arts belong to you. 

"You don't believe if you come from a council estate that you can be an actor or a poet or a painter. So places like Oldham Coliseum, Bolton Octagon, they're a beacon for people like me. 

"I wouldn't be an actor if it wasn't for Oldham Coliseum, Bolton Octagon, places like that. And they're disappearing. So what happens to the next generation of Chris Ecclestons or Maxine Peakes, or whoever you want to name?"