Mr Coliseum in the spotlight

David Rustidge, Front of House manager at Oldham Coliseum Theatre

A FAMILIAR face to theatregoers at the Oldham Coliseum has been nominated for a Pride in Oldham award for his long standing dedication to the town.

David Rustidge (70), from Shaw, has worked as Front of House at the popular venue for over 30 years.

The former geography teacher at Royton and Crompton School has had a life-long passion for drama and was a member of Oldham Youth Theatre, starring in plays with Coronation Street actress Ann Kirkbride and performing at Playhouse 2 in Shaw.

David initially started as a Coliseum volunteer in 1978. He became an employee in 1982 and has been welcoming guests ever since.

His Coliseum colleague Shelly Ramsdale, who nominated him, said he was one of the most dedicated and loyal theatre employees around.

David manages Coliseum volunteers, conducts theatre walking tours, co-hosts Coliseum season launches and helped to produce the 125th anniversary Coliseum booklet.

She said: “He epitomises the warm welcome of the Coliseum. His genuine and undying love for the theatre shines through night after night.”

David was nominated for a Pride award in 2008 and said: “I’m greatly honoured, its nice to be appreciated after so many years. I get so many people asking, ‘Are you still here?’ because I’ve seen them grow from children at the pantomime to bringing their own children.

“The Coliseum is an inspirational place, a real Oldham institution = and that’s what keeps me here.”