'Get Behind Us' - Coliseum launches Crowdfunder in bid to secure iconic theatre's future

Donations to the appeal will be matched thanks to the generous support of local businesses and trusts

Tomorrow (Monday) the Oldham Coliseum will launch its first ever Crowdfunder, asking its audiences to 'Get Behind Us', support the iconic theatre’s future and help keep the magic of theatre alive in the town for generations to come.

Donations will be matched thanks to the generous support of local businesses and trusts.

A Coliseum website post read: "For over 100 years generations of people from Oldham, Greater Manchester and across the North West have come to the Coliseum to experience the magic of our nationally renowned pantomime and enjoy our year round programme, ranging from award-winning drama to music and comedy.

"Theatres are at the heart of their community, they’re places to come together, to be inspired and be entertained. They’re where our best-loved actors learn their craft and thousands of others learn valuable skills.

"The Coliseum contributes millions to Oldham’s economy and has helped to launch the career of many famous faces. Income from our work on stage helps to fund our vital work in the communities of Oldham.

"The Coliseum is a charity and having been closed with no ticket income since mid-March – and having had to cancel or reschedule all of our events since then, we’re facing a very tough Christmas and an uncertain future.

"We have been working closely with the Government and our industry body, and we are incredibly grateful for all the support the Coliseum has received. 

"Now, an urgent fundraising campaign to raise £40,000 is our only available option to help secure the Coliseum’s future.

"Thanks to the generous support of local businesses and Trusts donations can be matched.

"Usually at this time of year we’d be in rehearsals for our renowned annual pantomime.

"This year to keep all our wonderful audiences safe and adhere to social distancing guidelines, we can’t present the festival spectacular. 

"For many years you have come to the Coliseum at Christmas to shout ‘it’s behind you!’, now we’re asking you to Get Behind Us and help to save Christmas in Oldham for generations to come.

"We believe the Coliseum, its history and its future, are worth fighting for."

Donations will open on Crowdfunder here from tomorrow.

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