The campaign to save the Oldham Coliseum Theatre is a reminder of what can be achieved when communities unite. Image credit: Shutterstock.
Last year it was announced that Oldham Coliseum Theatre was permanently closing due to a reduction in funding.
Arts Council England withdrew its funding for the venue over concerns regarding its management and to further compound the financial situation, Oldham Council deemed the theatre “no longer fit for purpose”. 135 years of artistic expression looked set to be lost.
Speaking of the news back in February 2023, Kelly Wood the MU’s National Organiser for Live, Theatre & Music Writers highlighted the importance of regional theatres to communities - an especially important topic given the other funding withdrawals across the North of England, with Newcastle’s Exchange Theatre and Liverpool’s Epstein Theatre also closing their doors.
Oldham Council have now pledged £10 million for refurbishment
Fortunately for Oldham’s Coliseum, an effective campaign group was set up by local theatre lovers in the town who were able to come together to lobby the Council to reconsider. They were joined by a coalition of high-profile alumni, trade unions, musicians and residents.
Equity, the MU’s sister union for performing arts and entertainment, coordinated a letter writing campaign and held a 400 person strong rally inside the theatre.
In a remarkable U-turn following sustained pressure from local residents as well as a starring role from Coronation Street actress Julie Hesmondhalgh, Oldham Council have now pledged £10 million for refurbishment, with its first production expected to open in time for Christmas 2025.
This outcome demonstrates the power of community and activism
Paul Reed, the MU's Regional Organiser for the North of England paid tribute to those who came together, saying: “We applaud the efforts of our sister unions, alumni and local residents in banding together to secure the re-opening of Oldham Coliseum Theatre.
“Theatres are not only vital cultural assets but also an invaluable part of the ecosystem for MU members, and the backdrop they are operating against remains extremely challenging in the region and beyond. This outcome demonstrates the power of community and activism”.
Newly appointed Labour Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy, hailed the venue as "a shining example of the kind of cultural assets that local communities are so committed to protecting" and is pleased that “future generations can continue to be entertained and inspired at this iconic venue."
The campaign to save the Oldham Coliseum Theatre is a remarkable story of unity and determination, which serves as a reminder of what can be achieved when communities unite.
If there is a theatre in a precarious position in your area that you think the MU should be addressing or acting upon, MU members are empowered to contact their regional office for support and assistance.