Chris steps up to the hot seat at the Coliseum

Chris Lawson is now the Acting Artistic Director at the Coliseum

Oldham Coliseum Theatre’s Associate Director, Chris Lawson, has stepped up to the Acting Artistic Director role at the theatre following the departure announced last month of former Chief Executive and Artistic Director, Kevin Shaw.

Chris joined the Coliseum as Associate Director in October 2015 from the Almeida Theatre, London.

As a theatre director he has worked across the country, most recently opening Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood at Cast, Doncaster on Friday, November 30, 2018.

Chris said: “I was pleased to have been asked and proud to accept the opportunity to lead the artistic vision of the Coliseum in the interim period.

"Our theatre is in the midst of some very exciting developments and I’m looking forward to working with the rest of the team here to continue and build upon our excellent work on stage and in both the Oldham community and the Greater Manchester theatre and arts community.

"Our recently announced Spring-Summer season for 2019 is a dynamic programme of new plays, musicals and contemporary classics that celebrate Northern stories and shine a torch on vital issues affecting communities across the globe.”   

Chris's directorial credits at the Coliseum to date include: Tom Wells’ The Kitchen Sink and Jumpers For Goalposts, John Godber’s Up ‘N’ Under and Stephen Jeffreys’ adaptation of Hard Times (nominated for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor at the Manchester Theatre Awards).

He also assisted on the Coliseum’s productions of Pygmalion, directed by Chris Honer, and The Pitmen Painters, directed by Kevin Shaw.

In the New Year Chris will be directing the Coliseum’s forthcoming productions of Martin McDonagh’s black comedy A Skull in Connemara (February 22 – March 9, 2019) and Barney Norris’ multi-award winning Visitors (April 18 – May 4, 2019).

The Coliseum’s Executive Director, Jenny Langlands, has taken on the role of Interim Chief Executive.

Jenny added: “I’m very excited to be working with Chris and the team, ensuring we continue and develop the great work of the Coliseum.  

"We remain committed to producing and presenting a vibrant programme of high quality theatre and have ambitious plans to grow our artist development programmes.

"Equally, our commitment to supporting community cohesion and social regeneration remains unfailing, and we will continue to deliver a range of trailblazing participatory opportunities across the borough to facilitate community engagement and grow participation.”

Gail Richards, Chair of the Coliseum’s Board of Trustees, said: “We’re delighted to welcome both Chris and Jenny into these key roles - working closely with rest of the team at the Coliseum they will enable us to build on our strong foundation and move forward with our audiences and our many other supporters.”

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