Oldham Coliseum boss bemoans 'double edged sword' after devastating closure news confirmed

The boss of Oldham Coliseum has described the closing of the venue while plans are developed for a replacement theatre in the town as a 'double-edged sword' this morning (March 17). Chris Lawson, the Coliseum's Artistic Director and CEO, spoke Radio 4's The Today programme after it was confirmed last night that the iconic theatre will be closing in two weeks time.

This is despite a passionate campaign to save it, backed by leading actors and many residents. The historic venue Fairbottom Street will close to the public for the final time on March 31.

Mr Lawson told the programme that yesterday's official confirmation 'hit in a different way' after months of campaigning to stop this happening, making it 'much more real'. The decision comes after the Arts Council England (ACE) dropped the Coliseum from its funding portfolio for the next three years after the body deemed it ‘high risk’, raising concerns about its’ financial management, leadership and governance.

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Speaking on the programme, Mr Lawson said: "For myself and the whole team we’ve been in the thick of this for months now. When news like yesterday’s goes out it does hit in a different way, it makes it all much more real.

"We’re a close knit staff team of which a number of people have been there for over 20 years. The current team have worked together for years and years, making shows and working in the community.

"We’re in a situation where it’s affecting everyone in the building and connected to it. We take some solace that we’re in it together."

A consultation on redundancies of its 70 staff concluded on March 13, the theatre company confirmed.