Oldham Coliseum to close permanently and begin redundancies

Oldham Coliseum has confirmed it will permanently close at the end of March, despite efforts from supporters and industry leaders to save the 135-year-old site.

Earlier this year, the theatre announced it would go dark at the end of March, after receiving a 100% cut to its national portfolio funding from Arts Council England. At the time it indicated it did not know when it would reopen, admitting permanent closure was an option.

Actors Maxine Peake and Paul Hilton, and union Equity, lobbied ACE to revoke the cuts to funding and find alternate solutions. 

Despite the outpouring of support, Oldham Coliseum, today (March 16), released an official statement announcing the venue would close on March 31 and that redundancies would be made affecting all staff.

The statement said: "It is with deep sadness that we confirm the forthcoming closure of Oldham Coliseum Theatre and the beginning of a redundancy process that will affect all staff. 

"Doors to the historic venue will close to the public for the final time on March 31, 2023."

Following the news last year of its ACE funding cut, the venue said the board of trustees and senior leadership team had been determined to find a solution, but with the NPO funding making up a third of its income, its financial situation was "not sustainable for the current continuation of the business".

It said: "Our staff remain our priority as we move into the redundancy process. The Coliseum is not the historic building so many have come to adore, it is the company that runs it and the people who fill its halls with memories."

The Oldham Coliseum statement added: "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."

A spokesperson from Arts Council England said: "Oldham Coliseum Ltd’s closure is upsetting news for many and devastating for its staff. 

"We are providing funding to ensure the company can pay full redundancies to its employed and freelance staff and that it can honour any outstanding contracts and agreements. 

"While recognising the current difficulties, we are supportive of Oldham Council’s plans for a new performing space, which will carry forward its cultural legacy."

"We will be investing £1.85 million in the borough so that the people of Oldham will still have the opportunity to enjoy and take part in arts and culture.” 

Oldham Council previously said it would do "everything" it could to get a producing theatre in Oldham.