Oldham Coliseum confirms with 'deep sadness' it will close in two weeks despite passionate campaign to save theatre

The iconic Coliseum Theatre has confirmed with ‘deep sadness’ that it will be closing in two weeks despite a passionate campaign backed by actors and residents to save it.

In a statement released today (March 16), the theatre company stated that the doors to the historic venue on Fairbottom Street would close to the public for the final time on March 31.

It follows the decision by Arts Council England (ACE) in November to drop 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.

The funding cut – which was a third of the income for the Coliseum – meant the financial situation was ‘not sustainable for the current continuation of the business’, theatre chiefs said.

The Coliseum dates back to 1885, beginning life as the Colosseum in the town centre and by the 21st century had become the only surviving professional theatre in the town.

READ MORE: Crunch talks with Arts Council fail to find solution to save Coliseum Theatre

In a statement the Coliseum said: “We know the theatre’s closure is deeply upsetting for our audiences and participants, not least because of the joyful memories that hundreds of thousands of people from across the North West have of visiting the Coliseum to get involved in projects or to experience our home-produced plays, musicals and award-winning pantomimes.

“The Coliseum has been at the heart of theatre in Oldham for over 100 years and has survived two World Wars and a global pandemic.

“Our theatre company has a highly regarded history in the industry dating back to the Oldham Rep, which launched the careers of many famous faces. This tradition has continued in recent