Oldham MP joins panto cast onstage in latest call to ‘Save the Coliseum’

Equity representatives, the cast of Oldham Coliseum’s pantomime Robin Hood and local MP Debbie Abrahams have today (Wednesday) met onstage at the theatre as they re-iterated the call for Arts Council England to ‘Save Oldham Coliseum’.

The meeting occurred with the cast in full costume as they took a break between shows at the opening of panto season.

But for many performers and creatives who work for the theatre, jobs may be under threat after ACE recently decided to pull 100% of its funding from Oldham Coliseum.

Commenting on ACE’s decision, Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Ms Abrahams said: “It is extremely disappointing that Oldham Coliseum has not been included in the Arts Council’s new investment programme and I am very concerned about what this means for the long-term viability of the theatre.

“For generations, the Coliseum has played a leading role in nurturing, and employing, local talent – including working with vulnerable young people and supporting them to work in theatre. 

"I understand discussions are currently ongoing between Oldham Coliseum, Oldham Council and ACE, and I hope we will see some progress.

"I have written to ACE to outline my concerns. 

"I will do all I can to support the Coliseum and ensure it gets the funding it deserves.”

Equity, the performing arts and entertainment trade union, are demanding that ACE reverse its decision to exclude Oldham Coliseum from the 2023-2026 National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) funding stream.

Other organisations that have also lost NPO status since ACE’s announcement on Friday, November 4, include the Regional Theatre Young Directors Scheme, The Watermill (Newbury), and the English National Opera (London), with hundreds of jobs at risk.

On Monday (November 14), Equity members came together to demand the reversal of cuts at two events held outside ACE offices in Manchester and London.

The Manchester event was also attended by actress Julie Hesmondhalgh and writer Ian Kershaw.

Equity is holding a further demonstration outside the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport in London on Tuesday (November 22).

The demand is for DCMS to reverse their decision to remove arts organisations from the national portfolio, and to increase culture funding across the UK.

Equity is the performing arts and entertainment trade union.

It is made up of more than 47,000 performers and creative workers, united in the fight for fair terms and conditions in the workplace.

Equity represents actors, singers, dancers, designers, directors, stage managers, puppeteers, comedians, voice artists, and variety performers.​

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