Oldham soap-actor backs campaign to Coliseum appeal

The theatre says it doesn't expect to reopen until early 2021.

Oldham Coliseum’s campaign to secure its future has been given a major boost after former Coronation Street actor and star of their 2019 panto threw his weight behind their appeal.

Sam Glen, who also featured in Take That’s BBC talent show ‘Let It Shine’, has recorded a video on social media explaining just what the Coliseum means to him.

The Oldham actor, who has been a member of Oldham Theatre Workshop, has also appeared in a number of performances staged at the Coliseum in recent times, including The Kitchen Sink.

In the video Glen said: “I’ve been performing on that stage since I was 10-years old in various productions with Oldham Theatre Workshop, and I genuinely believe that that space and that building was one of the reasons why I wanted to become a professional actor and I’ve also been super lucky to perform in my local theatre as a professional actor.”

“As I’m sure you’re aware, due to the coronavirus pandemic the Coliseum has had to close its doors with no financial income or support since the beginning of the year. That also means that there’s no panto this year which is such a shame for everyone involved.”

Actor and Oldhamer @samglen talks about how the Coliseum inspired his career and the impact the theatre has on our local community.

We're incredibly grateful for the support the Coliseum has received. If you are able, please #GetBehindUs and donate at https://t.co/z42F9bGrsS pic.twitter.com/d8I78PEX7e

— Oldham Coliseum (@OldhamColiseum) November 19, 2020

“The work that the Coliseum do is so important not only to its creatives but for the wider community that it serves. To the educational programs that they do, their outreach programs and just for the community spirit that it creates.”

Oldham Coliseum’s campaign to try and save it and help it reopen in 2021 when the Government gives theatres the green light, has raised nearly £52,000 of the £55,000 target with just a few days left.

If you want to donate to the Coliseum’s appeal, you can do by clicking here.

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.