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ITV News
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- ITV News
Oldham Coliseum reopening delayed until next year after refurbishments hit 'bumps in the road'
The Oldham Coliseum Theatre will not be reopening in time for the 2025 pantomime season, the council has confirmed. The historic venue is currently undergoing a £10 million refurbishment, with the hopes of welcoming theatregoers back for its festive programme. However, unforeseen works have pushed the reopening date back, with the theatre on Fairbottom Street now expected to reopen in 2026. The 135-year-old theatre closed its doors in March 2023 following the loss of its Arts Council England funding, amid concerns about its management. The decision sparked a major public campaign to save the Coliseum, which ultimately led the council to scrap plans for a brand-new venue and instead commit to restoring the original building. Refurbishment works, led by contractors Tilbury Douglas, began earlier this year. But the discovery of significant asbestos within the walls and roof has led to delays, prompting the council to push back the reopening to ensure the building is safe and fully prepared. Council leader Arooj Shah said: 'It's disappointing not to be reopening the Fairbottom Street building for Panto 2025, especially as it's such a cherished part of Oldham's festive calendar. But with a project of this scale, unexpected issues can arise. "Rather than rush the process, we're taking the time to make sure everything is done properly. We owe it to the artists, staff and—most importantly—our audiences. "This is about creating a sustainable future for theatre in Oldham that will serve generations to come. I can't wait to open the doors in 2026.' Martina Murphy, CEO of the Oldham Coliseum Theatre production company, said she was 'gutted' by the delay but remained optimistic, promising the theatre would be 'back with a bang' once reopened. Actress Julie Hesmondhalgh, a leading member of the Friends of Oldham Coliseum, also welcomed the decision to wait: 'The Friends are relieved that this year's panto has been put on hold. "Better to return with a beautiful, bold, and glittering bang than attempt something half-baked in a venue that isn't ready.' A council spokesperson confirmed that while the timeline has shifted, the refurbishment project remains within budget, and they are 'confident' the theatre will be fully operational by the 2026 panto season. In the meantime, the Coliseum's production team will continue delivering performances at other venues across the borough.
BBC News
22-02-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Oldham Coliseum: Historic theatre finds way to keep show on the road
A historic theatre awaiting a £10m revamp has found a way to keep its shows on the road - by performing at a range of different community years ago Oldham's famous Coliseum Theatre was forced to close down when the Arts Council withdrew its prompted a huge outcry and a campaign was launched to save the 140-year-old venue. And, following a U-turn, the theatre is set to open again later this year after a full while the building is out of action the Coliseum's theatre company is embarking on a tour of the town. Martina Murphy, chair of Oldham Coliseum Theatre Ltd, said: "We've done shows in the library, we've done shows in the arcade. "So we are meeting the people where they are and to give them something we could not give them in a building."Their latest production, The Engagement Party, held at the town's Queen Elizabeth Hall, is their largest since the theatre shut and a show where the audience are expected to Akbar, who plays Bilal in the show, said: "There's a lot of drama, a lot of dancing, a lot of music. We're all set up for an amazing engagement party but drama unfolds and the show focuses on the joy and families and communities." Co-star Noor Hadid, who plays Aisha, added: "It's really interactive audiences see them alive in the families. They love watching the drama unfold."They know what it is like with the in-laws and we get them on stage dancing and get them involved in some games."There was shock in 2023 when Coliseum was forced to close after Arts Council England withdrew its funding and the local council said the building was "no longer fit for purpose".But a passionate campaign involving many who trod the theatre's boards saw the council change its mind and commit £10m to refurbish is set to reopen before the end of 2025 and hopefully in time for pantomime season. Ms Murphy said: "It's really exciting so we'll be going [back] with a pantomime and this is what this theatre is known for most."Actor Evanya Taylor, who has appeared in BBC One's Waterloo Road and ITV's Coronation Street, plays Daphne in the current said she was also excited by the prospect of getting back into the refurbished venue."It will be amazing to walk through those doors and be part of the history," she said. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, external, X, external and Instagram, external and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer.
