Fair play to the Coliseum — MP

OUTSIDE Oldham Coliseum Theatre with MP Debbie Abrahams are (l-r) Carly Henderson, the theatre’s head of learning and engagement, executive director David Martin, artistic director Kevin Shaw and James Butler, Alex Tigo and Ammerun Nessa, members of the teaching theatre

OLDHAM MP Debbie Abrahams has heard first-hand about the exciting plans for the Coliseum and how they match her own vision for the Oldham Fairness Commission.

The MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth, who met artistic director and chief executive Kevin Shaw and executive director David Martin, said: “It’s always a pleasure to visit the Coliseum. It’s such a hub of creativity, with a strong focus on community-based work.

“There’s so much going on, from their exciting plans for a new building to their theatre-in-education productions, which they have toured round Oldham’s schools to address the problems many young people may face. The teaching theatre initiative is particularly impressive - an excellent example of how the Coliseum engages with local people by supporting unemployed young people into work, training or education. The success rate is very impressive.

“The Coliseum’s work is completely in line with the aims of the Oldham Fairness Commission. Everyone at the theatre should be very proud of what they achieve.”

Kevin Shaw, added: “It’s fantastic to have the support of our MP and to know that we have a shared vision of making Oldham the very best place to live, work and do business in.”