"Not everyone can afford to take their kids to Manchester shows": Sadness as closure looms for Oldham's Coliseum Theatre

After more than a hundred years performing to generations of Oldhamers – the Coliseum Theatre is preparing for its last curtain call.

There was an outpouring of love and support from residents, theatre-goers and actors when the iconic venue announced last month that it would be cancelling all future performances from the end of March.

Its financial security had been decimated by the confirmation in November that it had been dropped from the Arts Council England (ACE) funding portfolio.

Despite this bitter blow, many hoped there was still a chance the Fairbottom Street venue could carry on and it would not be the end of live theatre in the town.

However this week bosses confirmed the devastating news that the historic theatre has entered into a period of consultation with staff and are proposing to shut permanently on March 31.

In a statement the Coliseum said the ‘current financial situation’ was not sustainable for the running of a full-time theatre and it was with ‘great regret’ that it would be closing its doors.

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Artistic director and chief executive Chris Lawson had already told the MEN that physical problems with the Fairbottom Street building meant a new venue was needed.

“Ultimately the question around staying in the building long term was never really on the cards,” he said. “But that’s difficult when a new build is still being discussed but doesn’t yet exist.”

Council leader Amanda Chadderton said the authority remains committed to the creation of a new theatre on Union Street and will attempt to ‘retain the name and artistic legacy’ of the Coliseum.

But in the centre of Oldham, residents are still reeling from what the loss of