Oldham’s Coliseum Theatre to Reopen After Successful Campaign Led by Actor Julie Hesmondhalgh
After being closed for over a year amid controversy, Oldham’s historic Coliseum Theatre is set to reopen its doors thanks to a successful campaign led by actor Julie Hesmondhalgh. The theatre, which has been boarded up since last April, will undergo a £10m refurbishment in order to welcome back audiences in time for Christmas 2025.
The closure of the Coliseum in 2023 sparked outrage, with concerns over its management leading to the withdrawal of funding from Arts Council England. The local council had initially planned to replace the theatre with a smaller venue, but after a passionate campaign by Hesmondhalgh and other locals, they have now decided to refurbish the existing building instead.
Hesmondhalgh, known for her roles in TV shows like Coronation Street, expressed her joy at the decision, stating that she was “absolutely over the moon.” She credited the support of the Oldham community for the successful campaign, emphasizing their love for the theatre and the sense of ownership they feel towards it.
The campaign to save the Coliseum saw a string of stars, including Suranne Jones, Christopher Eccleston, and Maxine Peake, lend their support by appearing in a short film. Longtime audience member Jane Barker also played a key role in the campaign, highlighting the importance of the theatre in bringing visitors to the town and boosting the local economy.
Council leader Arooj Shah acknowledged the emotional connection that locals have to the Coliseum, stating that the decision to refurbish the theatre was not about money but about honoring the community’s attachment to the historic venue. Despite concerns over the building’s condition, the council is committed to ensuring that the theatre can continue to stage high-quality productions for years to come.
With work set to begin on the refurbishment, the Coliseum is on track to host a pantomime for Christmas 2025, marking a triumphant return for a beloved cultural institution in Oldham.
