Council 'committed' to 'finding the best way forward' for theatre in Oldham following shock Coliseum news

As the fallout continues following the news earlier this week of Oldham's iconic Coliseum Theatre cancelling all events after March 26, 'devastated' Council leader Amanda Chadderton has vowed to 'find the best way forward for the future of theatre' in the town.

The theatre announced on Tuesday that it has been forced to cancel all of its performances from the end of March throughout 2023 and into 2024 after it was revealed last November that the Coliseum would no longer be part of Arts Council England’s National Portfolio from April 1, 2023, meaning a massive funding cut.

Theatre chiefs had been hopeful that, as Oldham is listed as a ‘Levelling Up for Culture’ place, it would retain the support of Arts Council England as a National Portfolio Organisation delivering their Let’s Create strategy. 

However, the Coliseum’s application to remain in the Portfolio from 2023-2026 was unsuccessful.

The theatre applied for £615,182 a year over the three years, totalling £1,845,546.

Oldham Council leader Councillor Chadderton said: "Like most people in Oldham I'm absolutely devastated by the news that Oldham Coliseum has cancelled planned shows after the end of March.

"I know how difficult is has been for everyone at the Coliseum since the start of November, when they were told they would no longer be part of Arts Councils Englands National Portfolio, and the impact that would have on their financial situation.

"Oldham has a hugely successful acting heritage, the current Doctor Who’s assistant is from Oldham Theatre Workshop and half the country is currently waiting for the next episode of Happy Valley, fronted by Oldhamer Sarah Lancashire.

"Oldham Council is committed to making sure that Oldham continues to have a thriving performing arts and cultural offer and over the coming months this will include working with the Coliseum to find the best way forward for the future of theatre in Oldham."

Local MPs have also expressed their shock at the Coliseum's news.

Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Debbie Abrahams said: "I know I won't be the only one devastated by the news that Oldham Coliseum is cancelling forthcoming shows from the end of March.

"The Coliseum is part of Oldham's heritage. So many amazing performers have learnt their craft there.

"With the loss of national funding this is yet another example of how the Government's endless talk about 'levelling up' is just hot air."

Oldham West and Royton MP Jim McMahon added that he would be working with Ms Abrahams to "secure its future".

"The Oldham Coliseum is an important social and economic treasure for Oldham and beyond", he posted on social media.

Meanwhile, Oldham’s Liberal Democrat Leader councillor Howard Sykes MBE has slammed Arts Council England bosses for “shameful neglect of Northern heritage” after their decision to cut funding for the Coliseum. 

Councillor Sykes said: “The decision to withdraw all funding from the Coliseum is particularly hard to take given that venues in London and the South are still attracting tens of millions of pounds, despite having their funding reduced.

“No reductions here in Oldham, though - the Arts Council has completely pulled the plug instead. 

"The Coliseum is a treasured institution with a stellar regional and national identity. 

"This is shameful neglect of northern arts heritage.” 

High-profile stage, film and tv actors Maxine Peake and Julie Hesmondhalgh - both of whom have tread the boards at Coliseum over the years - are now backing moves to #saveOldhamColiseum

Well over 7,000 people have already signed a 'Save Oldham Coliseum Theatre' petition, and a GoFundMe page has been set up.

Julie Tweeted: "There is a massive appetite to save the theatre and awareness of how much it means to Oldham and the Greater Manchester theatre community is the first step.

"Please be assured that there are conversations going on."

The Coliseum has been at the heart of Oldham since 1885; it is the last surviving professional theatre in the borough and one of only 32 regularly producing theatres in England.

The theatre is an Arts and Educational charity supporting the communities of Oldham, artists and, of course, entertaining audiences.

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